What Does HG HB Mean on TikTok? Popular Slang Explained
Another day, another TikTok slang term that leaves people scratching their heads. This time, it’s “HG” and “HB.” Two abbreviations that keep showing up in captions, comments, and viral videos.
If you’ve been wondering what they mean, I've got you. Let’s break it down and explain why these slang terms are everywhere on TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, and even in text conversations.
Why Are People Asking About “HG” and “HB” on TikTok?
Neither “HG” nor “HB” are completely new, but TikTok has given them fresh life. These abbreviations have been around for years in casual slang, but over the past several months, they’ve picked up serious traction in TikTok videos.
When creators drop “HG” or “HB” into their captions without context, viewers flood the comments section asking: What does that even mean?
What Does “HG” Mean on TikTok?
The main meaning of HG on TikTok is “Homegirl.” It’s a slang term for a best friend, often female, but it’s not strictly gendered. Men can also call their female friends or girlfriends their “HG.”
Some examples of “HG” in TikTok captions include:
- “When I call my HG to tell her I did more than holding hands.”
- “Me thinking about that one night me and my HG gotta take to the GRAVE.”
- “I’d choose you to be my HG in every universe and every lifetime.”
But that’s not the only meaning. “HG” also shows up in other contexts:
- Holy Grail: Beauty influencers often call their must-have products their “HG.”
- Hot Girl: Some shorten “Hot Girl” to “HG” in captions or comments.
- Highly Gifted: Less common, but still used as an abbreviation in casual chats.
What Does “HB” Mean on TikTok?
If “HG” stands for Homegirl, then HB makes perfect sense—it stands for “Homeboy.” It’s a friendly term for a close male friend, although sometimes people also use it to refer to boyfriends. Most of the time, it’s platonic.
Examples of HB in slang:
- “Chilling with my HB tonight.”
- “That’s my HB for life.”
Just like HG, “HB” can mean other things, too, depending on the platform:
- Happy Birthday: Common in Instagram or Snapchat stories.
- Heartbroken: Seen in sad captions or text slang.
- Hot Babe: Used flirtatiously in some contexts.
Fun fact: Hailey Bieber’s skincare brand “Rhode” often uses “HB” when referring to her, but that’s because of her initials, not the slang meaning.
Related reading: What Does GNG Mean on TikTok? Popular Slang Explained
HG and HB in Text and Chat Slang
On TikTok, Instagram, or even plain texting, “HG” and “HB” usually signal friendship or relationship dynamics. For example:
- HG = your bestie or closest female friend.
- HB = your closest male friend or sometimes your boyfriend.
Context matters. If someone sends you “HB” on your birthday, it almost certainly means Happy Birthday, not “Homeboy.”
The same goes for “HG,” if it’s in a beauty review, it probably means Holy Grail, not “Homegirl.”
HG and HB Outside TikTok
While TikTok made them viral again, these abbreviations show up across platforms:
- Instagram & Snapchat: HG and HB appear in stories, DMs, and comments with the same meanings.
- In Texting: They’re shorthand between friends when chatting.
- Non-Slang Meanings: In science, Hg is the chemical symbol for Mercury, and Hb is a medical abbreviation for Hemoglobin. Totally different world!
To Wrap Things Up
Slang on TikTok spreads like wildfire because short, catchy terms fit perfectly into captions, comments, and trends. HG and HB may seem simple, but their multiple meanings make them versatile and sometimes confusing.
Whether it’s “Homegirl,” “Homeboy,” “Hot Girl,” or even “Holy Grail,” the trick is always to pay attention to context before jumping to conclusions.
So next time you see HG or HB on TikTok, Snapchat, or Instagram, you’ll know exactly what’s going on, and maybe even drop the slang in your own uses.