IBF

There are bf’s (best friends) and bff’s (best friends forever). Then there are ibf’s, or internet best friends. You might only know them through a computer screen, but that doesn’t mean the feelings aren’t real. Ibf also occasionally stands for internet boyfriend.

How is IBF pronounced?

What are other forms of IBF?

ibf

What are some other words related to IBF?

• bf
• bff
• best friend
• boyfriend

The acronym ibf can stand for any number of things: the International Boxing Federation, International Bargaining Forum, or international banking facilities, to name a few.

But online, IBF, usually typed as ibf, most often stands for internet best friend, a riff on the classic bf for best friend. An ibf is someone you’ve connected with online who you feel really close to—even if they live across the globe and you may never meet them in person.

First instances of internet acronyms are hard to track down, but the definition of ibf as “internet best friend” appears on Urban Dictionary at least by 2016. By 2017, ibf had also come to mean “internet boyfriend” (as bf can also stand for boyfriend). This term is used to describe someone you are dating online even if you’ve never met them irl.

The term ibf may have been influenced by #InternetFriendDay, a hashtag holiday and trend that surfaced in 2014. Internet Friend Day was thereafter set for February 13 each year—right before Valentine’s Day, interestingly enough. On the day, social media users celebrate their ibf‘s with the hashtag #InternetFriendDay.

The term ibf is popular among younger internet users on social media. They may give a shout-out to their ibf‘s on the likes of Twitter and Instagram—while others may bemoan their lack of them.

i’m super hyped to see the boys but honestly i’m more excited for my ibf to see them. they always get so happy and it warms my heart. that’s one of the many reasons as to why i bought my best friend a ticket to the chicago show! ily @lfestylechickee @whydontwemusic

— kenya (@lowkeykenya) September 8, 2018

Sally, you found me 😊 ily my russian ibf ❤️#InternetFriendDay @call_me_reject pic.twitter.com/eT8xfEUPuU

— Cris(is)tina || RT PINNED (@taco_bell_Calum) September 3, 2016

Ibf‘s are often just online acquaintances one is friendly with or communicates with often. People sometimes look for ibf‘s by trying to match their profiles based on shared interests.

btw like i really should get Finnish ibf’s so i could improve my Finnish. But the thing is that im not confident nor good at Finnish…but ifnu are a kind fin, please dm me or something shhshsajajaj

— 𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐚♡ (@stargazingbts) September 8, 2018