“BBL” Meaning—Definition, TikTok Use, Examples

What does “BBL” mean? When receiving a text message and a friend or partner says “BBL,” what does it mean? This abbreviation is short for an internet slang term. The phrase helps to manage expectations with another person.

Learn what “BBL” means in this short guide…

“BBL” meaning and definition

The traditional meaning of “BBL” is “Be Back Later.” This internet slang term is used to inform someone that they will be away from their computer or device for a time. The intention of the abbreviation is to manage expectations in a conversation so it doesn’t cause aggravation to the other party.

For example, if two people are in a conversation. And one person is going to be away from their phone for a period of time. They could end the conversations activity by saying, “BBL.” This allows the other person to know why they aren’t getting a response ahed of time.

Capitalization

Typically, “BBL” is spelled in ALL CAPS or all lowercase letters.

Correct: BBL

Correct: bbl

Incorrect: Bbl

Incorrect: bBL

Usage

Use of the internet slang term can be found on social media, chat rooms, text messages, group chats, and more.

Social media: Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Twitter, and Snapchat.

Text messaging: Group chats and one on one conversations.

Internet forums: Chat rooms, Discord, and more.

Intention (Synonyms)

The intentions of the phrase include:

• Being away
• Being right back
• Away
• Stepping away

TikTok meme definition

On TikTok, “BBL” is getting another meaning. It is referring to a Brazilian Butt Lift. What is a Brazilian Butt Lift? It is an elective cosmetic procedure where an American board certified plastic surgeon (reference) changes someone’s body shape (typically their butt) by using a fat grafting method.

The cosmetic surgery procedure uses takes fat from other parts of a persons body (typically using liposuction procedures) to add volume to their butt. The treatment typically takes fat from the hips, abdomen, or thighs. And places that fat into the buttocks to shape the person’s body type.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (reference), the Brazilian Butt Lift is gaining in popularity. These cosmetic procedures can take several weeks to heal from and does require anesthesia to complete the plastic surgery.

The procedure can help with the contour, shape, texture, and cellulite of a person’s butt.

What does someone need to get a “BBL?”

A patient will need to get briefed on the risks of the procedure and the lift. In particular, large amounts of swelling and potential to cause blockages in the lungs (called a pulmonary embolism). Medical clearance is required in order to complete the surgery.

Is a “BBL” worth it?

After the surgery, if a person loses weight, it could cause the patients body shape to change once more. The cost of the procedure can be high depending on the surgery. It’s recommended to get an initial consultation from a board certified plastic surgeon before making the decision.

Full recovery can take up to several months for a person to both see a combination of the swelling reduce and get full mobility.

History of “BBL”

According to Urban Dictionary, “BBL” as “Be Back Later” dates back to 2005. While “Brazilian Butt Lift” started to gain popularity in 2021. Given the context of the conversation, it’s more than likely that a person is referring to “Be Back Later.”

Examples of “BBL” getting used in a conversation

“BBL” getting used in a conversation:

Example one

Friend 1: “I’m going to have to step away for a minute and finish my game. BBL!”

Friend 2: “Okay no problem.”

In this example, the first friend is using “BBL” to inform another person that they will be away from their device for a period of time. This is to inform their friend that if they do not response, they already know the reason.

Example two

Friend 1: “Do you know what the issue with the professor?”

Friend 2: “I don’t know. BBL, I will figure out what’s going on.”

The second example shows “BBL” getting used in the middle of a sentence. It isn’t essential for the abbreviation to start or end a sentence.

Other short forms and abbreviations

Other acronyms and abbreviations that are similar to the meanings of “BBL”:

BRB: Meaning “Be Right Back.” This is another abbreviation that helps someone to be informed about the need to step away from a computer or a device.

TTYL: Or “Talk To You Later.” This abbreviation is used to end a conversation. And tell the active conversation that is going to get moved to an inactive conversation.

Sources

1. bbl – Urban Dictionary
2. BRB | definition in the Cambridge English Dictionary
3. American Society of Plastic Surgeons
4. American Board of Plastic Surgery
5. Pulmonary Embolism | Johns Hopkins Medicine