NBD Meaning | Text & Social Media

NBD is a texting and social media abbreviation for the idiom “no big deal,” which literally means that a situation is not important or problematic. “NBD” is a common reply to a message about a minor problem. On social media, people use “NBD” for sarcasm when they post about a personal accomplishment that actually is a big deal.

NBD examples 
Daughter: I’m so sorry, but we’re running late. Can we change the dinner reservation to 6:30 p.m.?

Mom: Sure! Consider it done! NBD whatsoever. [The response literally means that the problem is easily fixable and the daughter shouldn’t worry about it.]

Social media post: NBD, but I just signed a contract to publish my dissertation. Stay tuned for more details! [Publishing a dissertation actually is a big deal, so “NBD” is being used for sarcasm.]

Tip
Capitalization is helpful when you’re texting with acronyms like “NBD,” “SYS,” or LMK. Without all caps, the abbreviation “nbd” might look like a spelling error.

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What does NBD mean?

NBD means “no big deal.” In text messages, “NBD” usually has a literal meaning. On social media, “NBD” is usually a form of sarcasm.

What does NBD mean in texting?

In texting, “NBD” usually means the same thing as “don’t worry about it” or “that’s OK.” This abbreviation for “no big deal” is usually a polite and reassuring response to a message about a minor problem. It can also be a form of “you’re welcome” after someone sends a thank you message.

NBD in texting examples 
Employee: I’m afraid I won’t have that report ready until tomorrow.

Supervisor: Seriously, it’s NBD. I don’t need it until Friday anyway.

Friend 1: I’m so sorry, but we decided to stay in tonight, so I can’t give you a ride.

Friend 2:  I’ll just call an Uber! NBD! You’ll be missed, but I totally understand.

Neighbor 1: You two are the greatest neighbors! Thank you for helping me with the yard work last weekend. I’m so relieved to have the yard cleaned up.

Neighbor 2: It was NBD! We enjoy yardwork, and we love being your neighbor.

What does NBD mean on social media?

On social media, “NBD” is usually a form of verbal irony. When people write “NBD” on a social media post (or other public forum), it usually has the opposite meaning, especially if they’re posting about a personal accomplishment. “NBD” is a way to downplay a situation that is actually important or impressive.

NBD on social media examples 
MTNMAMA27: Just finished the Grandview Trek in Grand Canyon National Park. NBD #parktok #hiking

GoldnHwy: Looks like we’re up for another Grammy. NBD

“NBD” is often used as a hashtag on social media. Need the perfect hashtags? Generate them in seconds with QuillBot’s AI Hashtag Generator.

How to use NBD

NBD can make text messages more efficient and conversational, but it can also lead to confusion. The following tips will help you use “NBD” effectively and appropriately:

  • Include other details with “NBD” to show whether you’re being serious or sarcastic (e.g., “It’s NBD, and we can reschedule for another time”). If you use “NBD” by itself, it might come across as dismissive.
  • If your audience might be unfamiliar with “NBD,” spell out “no big deal” or something like “it was no trouble at all.”
  • In professional and academic writing, opt for precise and formal word choices rather than “NBD” or “no big deal” (which is somewhat ambiguous). For example, instead of “Random acts of kindness may seem like no big deal, but they can be life-changing,” try “Random acts of kindness may seem trivial, but they can be life-changing.”
Tip
Because idioms like “no big deal” or “not a big deal” are so common, they sometimes slip into formal writing. Luckily, QuillBot’s free Paraphraser can instantly show you formal alternatives, such as “inconsequential,” “minor,” or “insignificant.”

 

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Nicole Routh, M.Ed

Nicole has a master’s in English Education and detailed expertise in writing and grammar instruction. She’s taught college writing courses and written handbooks that empowered students worldwide.