Slang meaning
What does WBU mean?
WBU stands for “what about you?” You send it right after answering a question, to pass the same question back so the chat keeps going.
Updated 6 October 2026
WBU means “what about you?”: a short way to ask the other person the question they just asked you.
What WBU can mean
1. Returning a question
Someone asks how your weekend was. You answer, then add “wbu?” It is the shortest polite way to show interest in the other person’s answer.
2. Keeping a thin conversation alive
A reply like “good, wbu” is also a small nudge to carry on. It gives the other side an easy opening when neither person has much to say.
How people use it on Instagram and Facebook
DMs
This is the home of WBU. It appears in the first few messages with a new match, a new follower or an old friend: “doing well, just finished work. wbu?”
Story replies
When someone answers a question sticker or a poll on a Story and you reply to their answer, “wbu” is a quick way to ask for theirs.
Comment threads
Less common in public comments, but it turns up when two people are chatting under a post: “I’m team pineapple, wbu?”
WBU in real conversations
- Direct messagetired but fine, long week. wbu?same honestly, Friday can’t come soon enough
- Story replyI’m going with the blue one. wbu?blue all the way
- Instagram commentI’ve been to Lisbon twice, wbu?never, but it’s top of my list
- Direct messagemy favourite is the sunset one, wbuthe one with the boats, easily
How to reply to WBU
Questions people ask
What is the difference between WBU and HBU?
HBU means “how about you?” and WBU means “what about you?” They do the same job. People pick whichever they type more naturally, so treat them as interchangeable.
When is it rude to say WBU?
It can feel lazy if you send it with a one-word answer every time, because the other person is left to carry the chat. Adding a sentence of your own first makes it feel warmer.
Does WBU have another meaning?
In messages and comments it means “what about you?” and nothing else in everyday use. Because it asks a question, it is almost always followed by a question mark or a pause for the reply.
How should a business use WBU?
Rarely. It sounds chatty, and customers usually want a direct answer. If you want to hear from them, write the full question, such as “What would you like to see next?”
Related slang
- HBUHBU means “how about you?”: you answer a question, then ask the same one back.
- HRUA quick “how are you?”, usually a hello that expects a short answer, sometimes a sincere check-in after something has happened.
- WYD“What (are) you doing?”: a casual opener asking what you're up to, sometimes a hint that they'd like to meet up.
- WYMA clipped “what do you mean?”: it asks for an explanation or reacts in disbelief, and in “ik wym” it means you agree.
- WSGA short form of “what's good?”: a laid-back way to say hello or ask what's going on.
More slang meanings
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