"Boo" Meaning in a Relationship: An Expert-Backed Explanation

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Relationship coach Kelli Miller, LCSW, MSW, explains what “boo” means & why someone might say it

Co-authored by Sophie Burkholder, BA Reviewed by John Keegan

Last Updated: October 30, 2025 Fact Checked

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• Boo Meaning
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• Where did it come from?
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• Using “Boo” with a Partner
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• Similar Terms of Endearment
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• Video

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Have you heard the word “boo,” but you aren’t quite sure what it means? Maybe your friends have used it to describe their partners, or maybe your boyfriend or girlfriend keeps calling you ‘boo’ all the time (or maybe you just heard Usher croon “my booOoOoo” on the radio recently). In this article, we’ll tell you exactly what “boo” means, where it came from, and how to use it yourself. We’ve also included expert tips from relationship and dating coaches, as well as some Spanish-language alternatives to “boo” from a Spanish teacher!

What does it mean to be a "boo"?

Relationship coach Kelli Miller, LCSW, MSW, says “boo” is a term of endearment for a romantic partner, like “babe” or “baby.” So, to be someone’s boo likely means that you’re that person’s boyfriend, girlfriend, or partner. Or, at the very least, you’re someone that they’re dating and romantically interested in.

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Section 1 of 4:

What does “boo” mean in slang?

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1. 
   Boo is a term of endearment for your significant other. According to Miller, if someone calls you their “boo,” it means they really like you and think fondly of you. She explains that “‘boo’ is a positive term of endearment in a relationship” and is synonymous with other affectionate terms like “baby" and "honey." As dating coach John Keegan puts it, if you’re dating someone and they call you a pet name like “boo” or “beau,” they likely “see you as a sweetheart or someone special—like their ‘bae’ or ‘babe.’”

   • You’re likely to see “boo” used a lot on social media or while texting, since it’s easier to type than “boyfriend” or “girlfriend.”
   • Does “boo” mean that you’re someone's boyfriend or girlfriend? Yes and no—being someone’s “boo” definitely implies that you’re the main person that they’re dating. However, it is a slang term, and some people might use it differently than others. If you’re unsure, it’s worth having a chat with the person you’re seeing to get on the same page and define the relationship.

   Meet the wikiHow Experts

   Kelli Miller, LCSW, MSW, is a relationship coach and psychotherapist. She specializes in individual and couples therapy.

   John Keegan is a dating and relationships coach with over 15 years of experience in helping people find and maintain romantic relationships.

   Luis de la Torre is a Spanish teacher and the founder of ESSLINGUA, an online Spanish language learning platform.
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Section 2 of 4:

Where did the word “boo” come from?

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1. 
   Boo originates from the French word “beau.” The word “beau” was common in the 18th century as a French term used to describe a romantic admirer. When the French colonized the Caribbean islands, the word evolved into “boo” and gained more popularity, eventually becoming an internationally recognized slang term.

   • Fun Fact: The French word “beau” is also the root word for the English word “beautiful”!

Section 3 of 4:

How to Use “Boo” in a Relationship

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1. 
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   Call your partner “boo” as a term of endearment. You can use boo as a cute nickname to let your partner know you love them. Call them boo instead of their name when you’re talking to them or just saying hello. Here are some examples:

   • “Hey boo, how’s it going?”
   • “You look so cute today, boo.”
   • “I love you, boo.”
2. 
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   Tell people about your “boo” if you aren’t official yet. Since “boo” is a little less formal than “boyfriend” or “girlfriend,” some people use it to describe someone they’re talking to (but not in a relationship with). If you’re telling your friends about someone you like or posting about your crush, you might use “boo” instead. Try one of these examples:

   • “Saw my boo again today. He’s so cute!”
   • “Went on another date with my boo.”
3. 
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   Write the word “boo” online or over text to save time. You might not always want to post a picture and type out “boyfriend,” “girlfriend,” or “partner” in the caption. “Boo” is a common word on social media, so most people will understand what you mean when you say “my boo.” You can also use it when texting a friend as shorthand. For example:

   • “Look at how beautiful my boo is.”
   • “Love spending time with my boo.”
   • “Here’s to another anniversary with my boo!”
4. 4
   Respond to your partner calling you “boo” with a similar affection. If your significant other calls you “boo,” Keegan advises that you respond “with a similar kind of affection.” Call them “boo” right back, or call them a similar pet name like beau, bae, or babe. “Basically,” concludes Keegan, “take it well and respond in kind.” Here are some examples:

   • Them: “Hey, boo!”
     You: “Hey baby, how’re you doing?”
   • Them: “You look so handsome today, boo.”
     You: “Aw, well, I have the most beautiful boo in the world.”
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Section 4 of 4:

Synonyms of Boo

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1. 
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   Babe This classic nickname has been around for decades, and it doesn’t seem to be leaving anytime soon. “Boo” and “babe” mean pretty much the same thing, and they can both be used as a sweet pet name for your partner. The same goes for “baby,” which is another (slightly more intimate) synonym for “babe” and “boo.”
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   Bae Bae is another slang term that has gained a lot of popularity in recent years. “Bae” is also a term of endearment, and most people use it in place of “boyfriend,” “girlfriend,” or “partner.” Some people use bae as an acronym for “Before Anyone Else,” but that’s a little less common.
3. 3
   Honey “Honey” is a pretty classic term of endearment that you can use for a romantic partner—although it’s not exclusive to romantic relationships. It’s similar to words like “honey,” “sweetie,” and “darling,” which all convey affection and adoration.
4. 4
   Mi amor “Mi amor” is a Spanish term of endearment that means “my love,” although it’s pretty common to hear it in both Spanish-speaking and English-speaking relationships. “Mi amor” is one of the most common Spanish pet names, says Spanish teacher Luis de la Torre, along with other options like “cariño” (“darling”), “mi vida” (“my life”), and “preciosa” (“precious”).
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