What Does Boo Mean in a Relationship?

Co-authored by Hannah Madden

Last Updated: January 13, 2023

Have you heard the word “boo” but you aren’t quite sure what it means? Maybe your friends have used it to describe their partners, or maybe your boyfriend or girlfriend keeps calling you boo all the time. In this article, we’ll tell you exactly what “boo” means, as well as where it came from and how to use it yourself.

Section 1 of 4:

What does boo mean?

Boo is a term of endearment for your significant other. If someone calls you their “boo,” take it as a good sign—it means they really like you, and they enjoy spending time with you.^{[1]
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Research source} You’ll see it a lot on social media or while texting, since it’s easier to type than “boyfriend” or “girlfriend.”

Section 2 of 4:

Where did the word “boo” come from?

Boo originates from the French word “beau.” The word beau was common in the 18th century, and it was a term used to describe an admirer.^{[2]
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Research source} When the French colonized the Caribbean islands, the word evolved into “boo” and gained popularity, eventually reaching most of the world.

Section 3 of 4:

How to Use Boo in a Relationship

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Call your partner “boo” as a term of endearment. You can use boo as a nickname to let your partner know you love them. Call them boo instead of their name when you’re talking to them or just saying hello.
- “Hey boo, how’s it going?”
- “You look so cute today, boo.”
- “I love you, boo.”
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Tell people about your “boo” if you aren’t official yet. Since “boo” is a little less formal than “boyfriend” or “girlfriend,” some people use it to describe someone they’re talking to (but not in a relationship with). If you’re telling your friends about someone you like or posting about your crush, you might use boo instead.
- “Saw my boo again today. He’s so cute!”
- “Went on another date with my boo.”
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Write the word “boo” online or over text to save time. You might not always want to post a picture and type out “boyfriend,” “girlfriend,” or “partner” in the caption. “Boo” is a common word on social media, so most people will understand what you mean when you say “my boo.” You can also use it when texting a friend as a shorthand.
- “Look at how beautiful my boo is.”
- “Love spending time with my boo.”
- “Here’s to another anniversary with my boo!”

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Synonyms of Boo

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Babe This classic nickname has been around for decades, and it doesn’t seem to be leaving anytime soon. “Boo” and “babe” mean pretty much the same thing, and they can both be used as a sweet pet name for your partner.
- Other cute nicknames include honey, sweetie, cutie, love, and sweetheart.
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Bae Bae is another slang term that has gained a lot of popularity in recent years. “Bae” is also a term of endearment, and most people use it in place of “boyfriend,” “girlfriend,” or “partner.”^{[3]
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Research source} Some people use bae as an acronym for “Before All Else,” but that’s a little less common.