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

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 notes

In 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

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.

Test yourself on “HBD” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

_____, hope you get spoiled today.

Etymology

An initialism of happy birthday.

Origin: English

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.