SUB

What Does SUB Mean?

SUB means "Submissive," "Subliminal," and "Loan."

Here is more information about each of these definitions of SUB.

Submissive

Sub is an abbreviation of the word "submissive." It is used to describe a sexual relationship in which one party is submissive and the other is dominant (dom). It is an element of BDSM (Bondage and Discipline, Dominance and Submission, and Sadomasochism).

For more on dom/sub relationships, see D/s.

Check out our complete list of dating terms.

Subliminal

On social media, sub often means "subliminal." Subliminal messaging is a technique that is used to influence people without them realizing it. It uses hidden visual or auditory stimuli that the brain picks up without the subject being aware. Subliminal messaging in advertising is banned in many countries.

In a social media context, sub usually refers to the practice of posting passive-aggressive messages (i.e., messages that appear to be positive, but which contain an implied criticism that only the intended object of the message might recognize).

Loan

Sub is also widely used as a slang synonym of "loan." For example:

• I'm all out of beer tokens, can you SUB me until Friday?
• The tickets are on sale now. I'm going to ask mom for a SUB, so we don't miss out.

Example of SUB Used in a Text