What does bestie mean?
Bestie is an informal English word for a close friend, particularly one whose friendship involves affection, trust, and shared personal experience. As a noun, it often conveys more warmth than the neutral phrase “close friend” and may suggest an especially supportive relationship. It is especially common in conversation among younger people and in social-media posts, messages, captions, and online communities, though it is not limited to any age or gender group. Bestie can also be used as a verb, meaning to form a close friendship with someone, although this use is less common. The word is related to “best” and adds the familiar suffix “-ie,” giving the expression a playful and affectionate tone. “Besty” is also encountered as a variant spelling. In formal writing, bestie may be inappropriate because of its conversational style, but in informal settings it efficiently communicates both familiarity and enthusiasm. It is therefore especially useful for expressing a bond perceived as close, personal, and enduring.
An informal term for a close friend, especially one with whom the speaker has a strong and affectionate bond.
"I told my bestie everything because I trusted her completely."
The term is affectionate and informal, and is especially common in speech and online communication.
To form a close friendship with; to befriend.
"We met at summer camp and bestied for the rest of high school."
This use is informal and less common than the noun.
The regular plural is besties. The same form is also the third-person singular present of the verb bestie.
"My besties gathered at the café on Saturday."
Bestie turns an ordinary superlative into a badge of friendship: the '-ie' makes 'best' sound instantly affectionate.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of bestie
Bestie is a modern informal formation built from “best” with the familiar diminutive suffix “-ie.” The suffix softens the superlative and gives it an affectionate, conversational character rather than suggesting a literal competition between friends. The alternative spelling “besty” developed from the same formation, and the word became especially prominent through informal online and text-message usage in the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries.
Related word forms
How bestie is actually used
Bestie is informal and affectionate, but it can sound overly casual, juvenile, or performative in serious or highly formal contexts. It is especially associated with conversation among younger people and social-media communication, although its use is now broad.