phrase
HBD
aych-bee-DEE
HBD (phrase) means Happy birthday — used in text messages, comments and social media posts as a short birthday greeting. Example: “hbd, hope you get spoiled today.”
phrase
1
slang Happy birthday — used in text messages, comments and social media posts as a short birthday greeting.
"hbd, hope you get spoiled today."
"She left a quick hbd on his wall and nothing else."
How to use HBD
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishShort for happy birthday.
When to use it
Informal messaging only.
Memory tip
Save it for group chats; write the words out for anyone who matters to you.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
HBU →
HBDY
Common pairings
hbd bestie
hbd to you
a quick hbd
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Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
_____, hope you get spoiled today.
Etymology
An initialism of happy birthday.
Synonyms
View more →
happy birthday
many happy returns
Frequently asked questions
Is it rude to write HBD instead of happy birthday?
It can read as low-effort, especially to close friends and family, because the whole point of a birthday message is that someone bothered. Between casual acquaintances or in a busy group chat it is perfectly normal.
Should HBD be capitalised?
Either way is accepted. Capitals look slightly more deliberate; lower case hbd is the usual form in texts and comments.
What is HBD2U?
A further shortening of happy birthday to you, sometimes seen in messages and captions. It is playful rather than standard.
What is the meaning of HBD?
"HBD" (phrase) means happy birthday — used in text messages, comments and social media posts as a short birthday greeting.
