Did a friend just text you an incredible story? If they ended it with 'nbs,' they're emphasizing it happened, despite it sounding ridiculous.
This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression.
Meaning
The abbreviation 'nbs' is a text-based acronym meaning 'no bullsh*t.' Some people think it's an old acronym originally started by hackers, but there's no evidence to support that claim.
If you use 'nbs' in a message, you're trying to impress on someone that what you're saying is true, despite it sounding outlandish. It's also a way of saying 'real talk' or 'frfr,' which are two similar terms.
Example Usage
“Listen, guy. I know it sounds crazy, but nbs, I’m giving it to you straight. I couldn’t believe it either, and I’m as shocked as you are.”
“Nbs, I’m telling you the truth. They have an 80% discount sale at the motorcycle store right now. I got this sweet Arai helmet for next to nothing.”
“This is nbs, I swear. You can ask anyone. They were all there. We all stood around with our jaws on the floor when he stepped to that girl and asked for her number.”
“There’s no way we’ll make it. I made the same trip last year, and it took us 15 hours, nbs. That means we’re about three hours behind right now.”
Origin
The acronym 'nbs' originates from text messaging in the early 2000s. Before the invention of the iPhone, QWERTY keyboards, and predictive text, people would use the number keypad to type out texts. To save time on typing, people would abbreviate common terms. 'ROFL' and 'LOL' are good examples of common phrases that stuck around in the texting vernacular, even after the invention of emojis.
The first reference to 'bull' to nonsense was in the 17th century. The word 'bullshit' would only appear in British and American slang in 1915. According to lexicographer Eric Partridge, troops from Australia and New Zealand troops brought the saying to the frontlines of battle during WWI.
Partridge claims British commanding officers would place emphasis on 'bull,' meaning attention to your appearance, even if it reduced combat efficiency during the war. However, it only became a popular term after WWII during the late 1940s and early 1950s.
Australian and South African slang prefers the 'bulldust' variation of the phrase. The first appearance of 'nbs' in the Urban Dictionary was in July 2004.
Phrases Similar to NBS
- Straight up.
- No lies.
- I won’t lie.
Phrases Opposite to NBS
- That’s BS.
What is the Correct Saying?
- nbs
- No Bullsh*t.
Ways People May Say NBS Incorrectly
The acronym ‘nbs’ is suitable for informal chats and conversations with friends. You won’t use it in professional written communications, like emails to your manager. Doing so might land you in trouble for using profanity in the workplace.
Acceptable Ways to Phrase NBS
You can use ‘nbs’ in text-based conversations with friends. You’ll use ‘nbs’ as a way to tell people you’re giving them the truth, or you’re not sugar-coating your words.
For instance, you’re telling your friend something outlandish they might not believe. In this case, you’ll use ‘nbs’ to enforce your statement and clear up any confusion with your friends that you’re overblowing things.
The acronym ‘nbs’ might be offensive to some people, so you’ll only use it in conversations with people you know. ‘nbs’ is a way of emphasizing your statement to others and usually follows an outlandish claim.