noun
BFF
bee-ef-EF
BFF (noun) means a person's closest and most trusted friend, especially one they expect to stay close to indefinitely. Example: “She asked her BFF to be maid of honour.”
noun
1
informal A person's closest and most trusted friend, especially one they expect to stay close to indefinitely.
"She asked her BFF to be maid of honour."
"I've been texting my BFF about it all morning."
abbreviation
1
informal Best friends forever: a sign-off or label used in messages, captions and social media posts to mark a close friendship.
"He signed the card 'love you always, BFF'."
How to use BFF
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishYour very best friend.
When to use it
Chatty and affectionate rather than formal. Common in texting, captions and speech, but out of place in professional writing.
Memory tip
BFF is used as an ordinary countable noun, so you can say 'my BFFs' when you have more than one.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
Common pairings
my BFF
BFF goals
BFF necklace
lifelong BFF
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She asked her _____ to be maid of honour.
Etymology
An initialism of best friends forever.
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does BFF stand for?
BFF stands for 'best friends forever'. It began as a written abbreviation in notes and instant messaging and is now also said aloud, letter by letter.
What is the difference between BFF and bestie?
Both mean a closest friend, but BFF is an initialism carrying the idea of permanence, while bestie is a shortened form of 'best friend' used as an affectionate nickname. Bestie is more often used to address the person directly; BFF is more often used to describe them to others.
Can you have more than one BFF?
In practice, yes. Although 'best' suggests a single person, people commonly speak of their BFFs in the plural, and the term is used loosely for a small circle of very close friends.
What is the meaning of BFF?
"BFF" (noun) means a person's closest and most trusted friend, especially one they expect to stay close to indefinitely.
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