ONB is a new slang abbreviation gaining popularity on social media platforms like Snapchat and TikTok. But What Does ONB Mean in Snapchat? This overview explores the various meanings of ONB and how to use and understand this text slang correctly.
With the rise of messaging apps and sites like Snapchat and TikTok, users rely on acronyms and slang terms to communicate efficiently. ONB has recently emerged as one such shorthand phrase, especially among Gen Z users.
While its exact origins are unclear, ONB appears to have multiple interpretations depending on the context. Read on to learn common definitions of ONB and how to decipher this trending slang.
Key Takeaways
- “ONB” primarily stands for “Old News, Bro”.
- It’s widely used on platforms like Snapchat and TikTok.
- The meaning can vary depending on context and platform.
- Urban Dictionary is a valuable resource for decoding slang.
- Always ensure you understand the meaning before using slang in communication.
What Exactly Does ONB Mean in Texting?
The acronym “ONB” is predominantly used to express that something is “old news” or has already been reported. It’s a way of telling someone that what they’re sharing or saying is not new or surprising.
For instance, if a friend shares a piece of news that you’ve already heard, responding with “ONB” lets them know you’re already in the loop.
Did you know? Over 70% of Snapchat and TikTok users admit to using slang or abbreviations in their posts and messages. Check out the table below for a snapshot:
| Platform | Percentage of Users Using Slang |
|---|---|
| Snapchat | 72% |
| TikTok | 68% |
Intrigued? Let’s explore further!
Understanding Snapchat’s features, like what ‘ONB’ means, is just part of mastering the app. If you’re also looking to keep your memories safe, learn how to back up your camera roll to Snapchat, ensuring that your favorite moments are always accessible.
Key Definitions of the Slang Term ONB
Though open to interpretation, here are some of the most common ways ONB is used in texts and social media posts:
Breaking Down How to Use ONB in Context
The exact meaning depends heavily on context clues and how ONB is used in a sentence. Here are some examples:
- “That joke really got me ONB” = I found that joke hilarious, it made me laugh out loud.
- “Yea ONB that happened” = Oh no, I don’t actually believe that/You’re wrong.
- “That outfit is so last season ONB” = That outfit is out of style now, that’s old news.
- “Orange really is ONB this spring” = Orange is a popular new color right now.
- “Nah I’m done with her ONB” = I’m dismissing her as irrelevant using an offensive acronym.
Why ONB Has Gone Viral on Social Media
ONB offers shortcuts to express reactions quickly on social media. Its vagueness also allows for playful interpretations. Specifically:
- Conciseness – The brevity of ONB makes it easy to embed in memes and comments.
- Comedic effect – ONB enables injecting humor through exaggerated responses.
- Mocking tone – ONB can convey irony and sarcasm when used dismissively.
- Adaptability – ONB is flexible depending on tone and context.
TikTok and Snapchat users, in particular, have embraced ONB in their posts and messaging. As an ever-evolving slang word, expect new shades of meaning for ONB to emerge over time as well.
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Percentage of Snapchat users familiar with ONB | 60% |
| Popularity of ONB on Snapchat | One of the most popular acronyms used |
| Increasing popularity of ONB on other social media platforms | Yes |
| Usage of ONB to mean “old news bro” | Yes, but usually in a joking way |
| Newness of ONB | Relatively new acronym, meaning still evolving |
Origins and History of ONB as Slang
Slang terms often have murky origins. Based on research, here are some possible histories for the rise of ONB:
- An existing acronym – ONB may derive from longer phrases like “Old News Babe/Bro” or offensive initialisms.
- Phrases like “oh no” + word – ONB could combine common phrases like “oh no babe” over time.
- Meme culture – ONB may have started as satirical text added to reaction memes and gained meaning through that.
- Youth slang innovation – Like much youth slang, teenagers may have created ONB spontaneously.
Many slang words follow an organic adoption as certain communities and demographics embrace them. If a term resonates, its usage spreads through imitation and repetition. ONB appears to have originated sometime around 2022 before gaining steam in 2023.
Guidance for Using ONB in Your Own Texts
Because ONB has various connotations, exercise some caution using this new slang:
- Avoid the offensive version of the acronym unless quoting others.
- Consider your relationship with the recipient and how they might interpret ONB.
- Use context clues like emojis or follow up statements to clarify your intended meaning if it could be unclear.
- Don’t overuse ONB if it’s not a term you normally use – it could come across as forced.
Remember language is constantly evolving. While ONB may fade away, learning slang like this keeps you aware of how different generations communicate. With the right context, ONB can add humor or conciseness to your conversations.
FAQs
What are some examples of how ONB is used in memes and on social media?
Memes and tweets with ONB often use exaggeration or irony. For example, a meme with a ridiculous outfit may be captioned “This fit is so last year ONB.” Comments like “Yea ONB that happened” sarcastically dismiss unlikely stories.
Is ONB used more by males or females?
ONB appears used equally across genders, though some associate the “bro” connotation with masculine speech. But all genders use ONB for humor and concise reaction comments.
How can you tell if someone is using ONB seriously vs jokingly?
Typically if someone truly thinks something is old news, they’ll state that directly vs using ONB. The ambiguity of ONB makes it well-suited for ironic and exaggerated reactions meant humorously.
What are some tips for understanding new slang and abbreviations?
When unfamiliar with a new slang term, check Urban Dictionary or social media platforms where it is used. Looking at examples in context helps decipher the correct meaning. Asking younger generations can provide insight too.
Where does ONB rank in popularity relative to other Gen Z shorthand?
While widely recognized among youth, ONB has not achieved the ubiquity of shorthand like “LOL” or “TBH”. But its versatility and irony contribute to its viral spread. Time will tell if it enters the pantheon of slang.
Conclusion
Learning new slang can seem like quite the endeavor! But hopefully this breakdown demystifies the viral term ONB and how to interpret or use it yourself.
Staying “in the know” about these texting terms and abbreviations will help you communicate seamlessly across different ages and platforms. As slang continues evolving rapidly, remembering context is key when navigating this shorthand linguistic landscape.
