What does SB mean on Snapchat? Meaning of term explained, what it stands for and how to change username on app

As social media continues to grow and grow every year, the already massive online lexicon also continues to expand. It can be extremely easy to get left behind in the wave of new slang and terminology, from cheugy to simp, himbo to woke.

If you’re one of the millions of Snapchat users using the app every day, you might have come across one term that’s left you stumped: “SB”. If you’re not already in the know it can be exceedingly difficult to decipher the meaning behind the acronyms and abbreviations used by the young, hip and cool.

But never fear, for we are here to help - this is what you need to know.

What does ‘SB’ mean?

“SB” stands for “Snap Back” where a user is basically asking another Snapchatter to respond to their snap. For example, one context it could be used in would be: “Sb to be added to my private story.”

This means that a user is asking the viewer to respond to their Snap in order to be added to their private story. A private story on Snapchat means that only certain users can see the contents of the story.

Alternatively, you might have seen: “Sb for streak.” This means that the user is asking for you to reply to them with a picture in order to maintain your Snapstreak, especially if it’s been going for a long time.

What’s a ‘Snapstreak’?

You may have noticed that some of your friends on Snapchat have a fire emoji next to their names in the app - this means that you and said friend currently have a Snapstreak. This happens when you and that friend have Snapped each other (a picture, not just messaging) within 24 hours for more than three consecutive days.

The number next to the flame emoji will tell you how many days you’ve been on a Snapstreak for. To keep your Snapstreak going, all you and that friend have to do is make sure you Snap each other at least once in a 24 hour window.

If the fire emoji has been replaced with a timer emoji, then that means that your Snapstreak is about to run out - you can save your Snapstreak by snapping the other person or getting the other person to snap you, depending on who it is that hasn’t sent a picture that day.

Also, snaps sent with Memories or Spectacles content to other Snapchatters do not count towards your Snapstreaks.

Other Snapchat terminology

Other Snapchat terminology you may have come across but might not know what it means might include:

• PU: this is basically an acronym for “pop up” which means that a user is asking for someone to talk to them on Snapchat
• SMH: this means “shaking my head” and is generally used to express disappointment or confusion 
• SFS/S4S: this means “Snap for Snap”, which means that the user will trade shoutouts with another user on Snapchat 
• Snap score: your Snap score is how much you’ve been using the app - the higher the number, the more you’ve used Snapchat

How can I find my Snap score?

Snapchat says that your Snap score is “determined by a super-secret, special equation that combines the number of Snaps you’ve sent and received, the Stories you’ve posted and a few other factors”. Your Snapchat score is displayed under your name on the profile screen in the app.

How do I change my username?

When it comes to choosing a username for an account, especially if you’re young, then it usually doesn’t take long before that username becomes cringeworthy or just totally outdated. Up until recently, Snapchat hasn’t allowed users to change their username - but that changed earlier this year in February.

As part of a new update which was released on Wednesday 23 February, for both Android and iOS users, Snapchatters can now change their usernames.

After you’ve updated your app, simply head to the profile screen on Snapchat and then go into your settings, which you can do by tapping the gear icon.

From there you’ll want to head to “Username” and there should be an option to “Change username”. According to Snapchat, changing your username will not have any impact on things like your contacts, your Snap code, Snap score or your Snapchat memories.

Before you go rushing to change your username right away, be aware that you can only change it once in a year - and you won’t be able to pick a handle that’s been used in the past, even if it was used by you - so be sure you’re confident in what you want your new username to be.