What Does “B4” Mean

B4 usually means “before”. It is short text-speak people use in messages, chats, and social media. For example, B4 dinner means before dinner.

People use B4 when they want to type quickly and keep messages casual. It is common in texting, online chats, and informal posts, but you would not usually use it in formal writing, school work, or business emails.

Meaning & Usage

B4 is an abbreviation for before. It is part of internet slang and shorthand writing. You may see it in phrases like see you B4 5 or B4 I go.

Examples

B4 the meeting starts = before the meeting starts

I need to finish this B4 noon = I need to finish this before noon

Is B4 formal?

No. B4 is informal and is best used in texting or casual online conversation.

Can I use B4 in writing?

Yes, but only in informal writing. For formal writing, use the full word before.

What does B4 mean in chat?

In chat, B4 almost always means before.