SUB

What Does SUB Mean?

The Quick Answer

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

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.

Image for SUB

When I write SUB, I mean this:

"Submissive"

Summary of Key Points for the First Definition

"Submissive" is the most common definition for SUB in texting and on messaging apps, especially dating sites.

SUB
Definition:	Submissive
Type:	Abbreviation
Guessability:	1: Easy to guess
Typical Users:	Adults and Teenagers

Summary of Key Points for the Second Definition

"Subliminal" is another common definition for SUB on social media.

SUB
Definition:	Subliminal
Type:	Abbreviation
Guessability:	4: Difficult to guess
Typical Users:	Adults and Teenagers

Summary of Key Points for the Third Definition

SUB also means "Loan."

SUB
Definition:	Loan
Type:	Slang Word
Guessability:	4: Difficult to guess
Typical Users:	Adults and Teenagers

Example of SUB Used in a Text

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