STBY

What Does STBY Mean in a Text?

The Quick Answer

STBY means "Sorry To Bother You" or "Sucks To Be You."

Sorry To Bother You

The abbreviation STBY is used in text-based communications with the meaning "Sorry To Bother You," as in "I'm sorry" or "excuse me." In this context, STBY is typically used to introduce a question or ask a favour.

Sucks To Be You

STBY is also used with the meaning "Sucks To Be You." In this context, STBY is typically used to express sympathy on hearing of another's bad news.

Image for STBY

When I write STBY, I mean this:

STBY also means "Sucks To Be You."

Summary of Key Points

First Definition for STBY

STBY means "Sorry To Bother You." This is the most common definition for STBY in texting and on messaging apps like Instagram and TikTok.

STBY
Definition:	Sorry To Bother You
Type:	Abbreviation
Guessability:	2: Quite easy to guess
Typical Users:	Adults and Teenagers

Second Definition for STBY

STBY also means "Sucks To Be You":

STBY
Definition:	Sucks To Be You
Type:	Abbreviation
Guessability:	2: Quite easy to guess
Typical Users:	Adults and Teenagers

Examples of STBY in Sentences

Here are examples of STBY in conversations:

• Girl: STBY, have you got the time?
• Creepy Guy: Yes, if you've got the energy.
(Here, STBY means "Sorry To Bother You.")

• Kim: I have been grounded for the whole month for flunking maths.
• John: Oh, man! STBY.
(Here, STBY means "Sucks To Be You.")

An Academic Look at STBY

Whether used with the meaning "Sorry To Bother You" or "Sucks To Be You," STBY is an initialism abbreviation. Technically, this means it is pronounced using its individual letters (i.e., Ess Tee Bee Why). However, it is not spoken using its letters. STBY is used for efficiency in writing and not for efficiency in speech. STBY is often used as a standalone declarative sentence (i.e., a statement). It is not always used as another part of speech within a wider sentence.

What Did We Say before Texting and Social Media?

Before the digital era, we would have just said "Sorry To Bother You" or "Sucks To Be You" instead of using the abbreviation STBY.

Example of STBY Used in a Text

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