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What Does ‘ONB’ Mean on Instagram?

Published June 16, 2024

Social media platforms like instagram are constantly evolving, and with that evolution comes a plethora of new acronyms and slang. One of these terms you may have come across is ‘ONB.’ If you’ve been wondering what it means, you’ve come to the right place. This article is going to break down what ‘ONB’ means on Instagram and how it’s used in different contexts on Instagram.

Understanding ‘ONB’

To start, ‘ONB’ stands for ‘outward nose breathe.’ This acronym is used to describe a mild, amused reaction, similar to a slight chuckle or a smirk. It’s less intense than a full laugh, but can mean that something was mildly funny or amusing.

How ‘ONB’ Is Used on Instagram

‘ONB’ is often used in comments, direct messages or captions.

Examples of Using ‘ONB’ on Instagram

  • Comments: Someone might comment ‘ONB’ under a post that they find mildly amusing. It’s a way to acknowledge that it’s funny without going overboard.
  • Direct Messages (DMs): In DMs, someone might use ‘ONB’ to react to a funny meme or message. For example, “That meme you sent me was so true, ONB.”
  • Captions: Users might use ‘ONB’ in their captions to describe their reaction to something funny that happened in the photo or video. For example, ‘“When your dog steals your food, ONB.”

Why Use ‘ONB’?

When it comes to social media, brevity is key. ‘ONB’ provides a quick, shorthand way to convey a reaction that falls somewhere between indifference and full laughter. It’s perfect for those moments when something is funny enough to acknowledge, but not laugh-out-loud hilarious.

The Evolution of Social Media Slang

‘ONB’ is part of a larger trend where users create and adopt shorthand expressions to communicate more efficiently. Similar to LOL (Laugh Out Loud) or ROFL (Rolling on the Floor Laughing), ‘ONB’ fills a spot that other slang terms don’t.

Efficiency

Using acronyms like ‘ONB’ allows for faster communication, which is important in the quick moving world of social media.

Expressiveness

It adds a layer of expressiveness to online interactions, helping to convey tone and emotions that might be lost in plain text.

Trendiness

Keeping up with current slang can help users feel more connected to the online community and stay relevant in their social circles.

How to Incorporate ‘ONB’ in Your Instagram Use

If you want to start using ‘ONB’ in your Instagram interactions, here are some tips.

Tips for Using ‘ONB’ on Instagram

  • Understand the Context: Make sure the situation is appropriate for an ‘ONB’ response. It’s best used for content that’s amusing but not hilarious.
  • Engage With Friends: Use ‘ONB’ in comments or DMs with friends to show that you find their content amusing. It’s a casual, friendly way to engage.
  • Keep it Light: Remember that ‘ONB’ is meant to convey a light, easygoing reaction. It’s not suitable for serious or emotional posts.

Closing Thoughts

The bottom line is that ‘ONB’ is a useful acronym to have in your social media vocabulary. Whether you’re reacting to a funny meme, a witty comment or humorous situation, ‘ONB’ is a great way to let someone know you’re entertained.

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Written By:
AUTHOR & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Jessica is a consultant, researcher, and the editor-in-chief of the Buzzoid blog, who specializes in social media, marketing, and digital strategy. She is a graduate of Antioch College and earned her MBA at Boston College’s Carroll Graduate School of Management, specializing in STEM Management.

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