What Does BSF Mean?

Saw BSF on TikTok, Snapchat, or over text? Here's what it really means

Co-authored by Ali Garbacz

Last Updated: December 26, 2022 References

You might’ve seen the abbreviation “BSF” on social media or maybe even had someone send it to you in a text, but what exactly does it mean? We’re here to explain to you the exact meaning behind these three letters, and have also come up with some examples for how to use BSF so that you can add another bit of lingo to your growing dictionary!

Section 1 of 5:

Most Common Meanings of BSF

1
BSF can mean “best sister/sibling friend.” While it may not sound grammatically correct, a BSF here refers to someone with whom you are so close it feels like you’re practically siblings rather than just friends. “Sister’ and “sibling” are interchangeable here, but both pretty much get the message across that you all are basically inseparable.
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BSF is also another way to say "Best friend.” It appears that BFF (best friend forever) and BFFL (best friend for life) have met their match with this new abbreviation. Although, BSF seems to more often refer to a friend you feel is more like a sibling, similar to the “best sister/sibling friend” definition. Nevertheless, using BSF simply to mean “best friend” is totally acceptable.^{[1]
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- You might also see it stylized as IBSF, which means “internet best friend,” or someone you met over the internet through something like online gaming, a forum, or any other social media who became your friend.
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3
BSF can also stand for "But, seriously folks.” This is a clever way to turn the conversation towards a new topic or get back on track if you find yourself getting lost in the endless spam of messages coming from your friends or family. It’s usually used to bring the conversation back to the main point after a joke or lighthearted comment was made, and will definitely catch everyone’s attention.^{[2]
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Section 2 of 5:

How to Use BSF (Best Sister/Sibling Friend)

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Let your friend know how much they mean to you. Make it clear to them that they’re not just your friend, they’re basically family!
- “We’re getting dinner and I’m paying 🥰 Can’t let my BSF go hungry now can I?”
- “You have to come to my performance 😭😭 I can’t imagine my BSF not being there”
- “You’re my BSF. Of course you’re invited to the party!”
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Clarify your relationship to others. When someone gets the wrong idea about your relationship with your best friend, use this abbreviation to set the record straight.
- “What? OMG no he’s not my boyfriend, he’s my BSF. We’ve known each other since we were kids.”
- “We’re not just friends. They’re my BSF.”
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Use it as a standalone phrase to caption a photo. Even though BSF is only three little letters, its meaning is quite deep. So even if you just write “BSF” to caption your Instagram post or let it stand alone in a tweet, people will definitely know what you mean. No extra explanations required.

Section 3 of 5:

How to Use BSF (Best Friend)

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Replace BFF and BFFL. Let’s face it, BFF and BFFL are so out, and BSF is totally in. Update your slang inventory by using BSF where you used to use BFF or BFFL.
- “He’s my BSF. I don’t know what I’d do without him.”
- “Who’s your BSF?”
- “I’ve known my BSF since preschool. We’re basically the same person by now.”
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Compliment your friend. Even though they might already know it, your friend probably wouldn’t mind hearing again just how much you value their friendship and how tight-knit your bond is. BSF conveys all of these emotions and much more.
- “You know you’re my BSF right?”
- “Who needs them? I got my BSF right here! 😊🥰”
- “You’re not just any friend. You’re my BSF!”
3
Use it to talk about your friends on the internet. Best friends don’t just have to be people you know in the real world. Thanks to technology, we can meet friends all around the world through the magic that is the internet. You can use BSF and also IBSF (internet best friend) to talk about your digital bestie.
- “My BSF and I met on an internet forum and bonded over our love of cats 🐱🐈”
- “They’re my IBSF. I wish we could meet in person though.”
- “My IBSF is so cool 🥺”

Section 4 of 5:

How to Use BSF (But, seriously folks)

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Bring the conversation back on track. It’s easy to go off on random tangents, especially when you’re in a group chat with lots of people who all have different things to say. If you want to circle back to a point that’s pretty much gotten lost in the slew of messages, get everyone’s attention with these three letters.
- “🙋BSF can we get back to what we were originally talking about?”
- “BSF are we actually going to ignore the fact that no one passed that test?👀”
- “BSF let’s talk about how birds are living dinosaurs again.”
2
Put some emphasis on your words. Add some strength to your words by calling attention to them with this abbreviation and let the recipient know that you’re not joking around.
- “BSF I actually do really want to go to Paris at some point.”
- “BSF I’m so lost on this project 😭 Help.”
- “BSF I need someone to explain the situation to me again.”
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Steer the conversation towards a more serious topic. The “serious” in “But, seriously folks” comes into play here, and you can use this as a means to bring up something that might not be as light as what you were previously talking about.
- “BSF what do y’all think about the protests happening?”
- “BSF did you hear about what happened yesterday?”
- “BSF have you been following the news?

Section 5 of 5:

Other Meanings of BSF

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Bible Study Fellowship. This is a community that offers in-depth studies of the Bible to people all around the world and is a means for people to connect and meet up with others in their community.^{[3]
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Border Security Force. This is India’s border guarding force that looks after the borders it shares with Pakistan and Bangladesh.^{[4]
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Bachelor of Science in Forestry (B.S.F.). BSF can also be a type of degree you earn at university. You might have heard of a B.A. (Bachelor of Arts) or B.S. (Bachelor of Science), but some universities offer an even more specified degree.^{[5]
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