What Does MBN Mean? Snapchat, Texting, and More

Co-authored by Imad Jbara and Amber Crain

Last Updated: March 29, 2022

If you've received an "MBN" text from a friend or recently noticed the abbreviation on social media, you're probably wondering what it stands for. Keep scrolling to read our complete guide on how to interpret "MBN" on all platforms, including text and social media. We'll also explain how to use this abbreviation so you can start dropping MBNs of your own!

Section 1 of 5:

What does MBN mean in texting?

In text, MBN is an abbreviation for “must be nice.” You can use MBN as a genuine sentiment if you’re truly happy about someone else’s good fortune. However, MBN is more commonly used in a sarcastic or passive-aggressive way to express jealousy.^{[1]
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Section 2 of 5:

What does MBN mean on Snapchat?

On social media, MBN also means "must be nice.” This meaning applies on all social media platforms, including Snapchat, WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok. On social media, MBN is almost always a passive-aggressive remark about celebrity culture or someone else’s privilege.^{[2]
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- On social media, you can also use MBN with a hashtag. For example, you might see a tweet like, “All these celebrities posting pics of their beach vacays this summer. #mbn”

Section 3 of 5:

How to Use MBN

1
Communicate that you’re genuinely happy for someone. Use MBN in a sincere way if you’re talking to a friend who deserves good things, or if you’re making a comment about strangers who are truly endearing or sweet. For example:
- "You scored a free ticket to see Taylor Swift? 🎉 MBN! I’m happy for you!"
- "Did you see that cute old couple with matching track suits? ❤️ MBN"
2
Drop some salty commentary if you’re feeling low-key jealous. When you use MBN this way, it can come off as light sarcasm or fairly scathing, depending on how you word it. Keep in mind that if you use MBN with a hashtag on social media, more people are likely to see it and you may get some replies.
- "Just watching these frat bros order endless bottles of champagne at the club. Mbn to have daddy’s credit card 😂”
- "At the mall by myself testing out massage chairs while all the happy couples walk by holding hands lol #mbn"

Section 4 of 5:

How to Respond to MBN

1
Agree or say thanks if the person is being genuine. Chances are if a friend says MBN to you, they’re probably legitimately pleased for you. They might say it with light sarcasm in some cases, but the comment isn’t meant to be hurtful or mean.
- Them: "MBN having the whole weekend off work."
  You: “Yeah, it totally is 😉”
- Them: "Your parents got you a car? Wow, mbn! That’s awesome."
  You: "Thanks! I’m so stoked."
2
You don’t have to respond to MBN, especially if it was a rude remark. MBN doesn’t really require a response. If the person was being sarcastic or rude to you, ignore their salty comment. They’re just jealous anyway!

Section 5 of 5:

Alternative Meanings

In rare cases, MBN could mean “maybe not.” This isn’t a common usage, but the context of the remark should tell you if the person means “maybe not.” For example: “Maybe Professor Hill won’t notice if I never turn in my term paper? Okay, MBN the best idea.”^{[3]
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