bestie: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
High (in informal contexts)Informal, colloquial, slang. Primarily used in speech, social media, and text messaging.
Quick answer
What does “bestie” mean?
A person's closest and most trusted friend.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person's closest and most trusted friend.
A term of endearment for a very close friend, often implying a deep, platonic bond of loyalty, shared secrets, and mutual support. Can also be used ironically or for pets.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Slightly more established in US pop culture and social media lexicon initially, but now equally common in the UK.
Connotations
Equally informal and affectionate in both varieties. May be perceived as slightly more trendy or performative in the UK.
Frequency
Very high frequency in informal digital communication for both. Perhaps marginally more frequent in everyday US teen/young adult speech.
Grammar
How to Use “bestie” in a Sentence
[Possessive] + bestie (e.g., my bestie)[Be/V] + besties (e.g., We are besties.)Address form: "Bestie, ..."Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bestie” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Not used as a verb.
American English
- Not used as a verb.
adverb
British English
- Not used as an adverb.
American English
- Not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- Not used as a standard adjective.
American English
- Not used as a standard adjective.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Highly inappropriate except in extremely casual internal communications between close colleagues.
Academic
Not used in formal writing. May appear in sociolinguistic papers discussing modern slang.
Everyday
The primary context. Used in spoken conversation, social media captions, texts, and informal writing.
Technical
Not applicable.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bestie”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “bestie”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bestie”
- Using it in formal writing.
- Using it as an adjective (e.g., 'She is very bestie with him' – incorrect; use 'close' instead).
- Overusing with people who are not actually close friends, which can sound insincere.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is gender-neutral. It can be used for friends of any gender.
No, it is far too informal. Use 'close friend' or 'good friend' instead.
'Bestie' is the informal, affectionate slang version of 'best friend'. The meaning is identical, but the register is different.
Yes, it often is. For example, saying 'Okay, bestie...' to someone you're disagreeing with in a humorous way.
A person's closest and most trusted friend.
Bestie is usually informal, colloquial, slang. primarily used in speech, social media, and text messaging. in register.
Bestie: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbɛsti/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbɛsti/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Besties for the resties.”
- “Bestie goals (an ideal friendship).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'BEST frIEND' -> remove the 'fr' and 'nd' -> you're left with your BESTIE.
Conceptual Metaphor
FRIENDSHIP IS PROXIMITY / FRIENDSHIP IS A VALUED OBJECT ("my bestie").
Practice
Quiz
In which context is it MOST appropriate to use the word 'bestie'?