“Boi” Meaning, Origin and Examples

Last updated on January 8, 2025 by Isabella Claire

The usage of the word “boi” became popular more than 20 years ago and its popularity is still going strong online and in real-life conversation. If you have seen this term being used and are wondering what it means, then, fortunately, you have come to the right place. Here you will find the meaning of this term, the story of its origin, and some other meanings.

You will also find some example conversations featuring the term used in the correct context to help you gain a more personal understanding of the slang term. Finally, you will discover some alternative words and phrases that you can use in place of this term to bear the same meaning.

“Boi” Meaning, Origin and Usage

Key Takeaways

  • This term is used to represent the word “boy” by spelling it a different way. However, it is used to describe certain types of “boys.” 

Boi Meaning: How to Use the Interesting Slang Term 'Boi'?

Boi Meaning

What Does Boi Mean?

In slang, “boi” is an informal variation of the word “boy” that can have several meanings depending on the context:

  • General Informality: It’s often used as a casual or playful way to refer to a male friend or peer, similar to “bro” or “dude.” Example: “What’s up, boi?”
  • LGBTQ+ Context: In the LGBTQ+ community, “boi” can refer to someone who identifies as masculine but not necessarily as a man. It is often used by lesbians, transmasculine individuals, or gender-nonconforming people to describe themselves or others.
  • Humorous or Exaggerated Tone: It can be used humorously or with emphasis, especially in memes or jokes. Example: “Oh boi, here we go again!”
  • Internet and Pop Culture: It is commonly seen in memes, often used to create a funny or dramatic effect. Example: “Look at this boi!”

Origin of Boi

This term first arrived in the mainstream in the 1990s when it was adopted by skateboarders, ravers, and eventually the emo scene to refer to boys who were seen as masculine as they should be. However, the term didn’t become popular until a meme featuring a frog on a unicycle was posted in 2015 featuring the phrase “here come dat boi.”

Usage of this Term

1. Casual/Playful Use Among Friends

  • Used as a slang term similar to “bro” or “dude.”
  • Example:
    • “Yo, boi, are we going to the game tonight?”
    • “Look at my boi crushing it on the court!”

2. Humorous or Meme Culture

  • Often used to create a comedic or exaggerated effect in conversations or captions.
  • Example:
    • “Oh boi, this meme is too funny!”
    • “Here comes dat boi!” (popular internet meme featuring a frog on a unicycle)

3. LGBTQ+ Context

  • Refers to someone who identifies with masculinity in a non-traditional or non-binary way, such as butch lesbians or transmasculine individuals.
  • Example:
    • “That boi over there has such a cool vibe.”
    • “I love how confident they are in their boi energy.”

4. Affectionate or Flirty Use

  • Used in a playful, affectionate way to refer to someone, often with a sense of endearment.
  • Example:
    • “You’re my boi, always and forever.”
    • “Hey boi, you look cute today!”

5. Street or Hip-Hop Slang

  • Common in urban culture to refer to a male friend or someone in a close-knit community.
  • Example:
    • “That’s my boi, always got my back.”
    • “Boi, you better calm down before you regret it.”

Other Meanings

Other than the meanings already mentioned above, it should be noted that when most people use the term in the present it is used as a way to show that the person they are calling this term is about to be roasted or insulted in some way. It can also be used as an endearing way to refer to a friend.

Related Terms to “Boi”

1. Bro

  • Informal term for a male friend, often used in casual or playful conversations.
  • Example: “What’s up, bro?”

2. Dude

  • A casual term for a person, typically male, used in a friendly or neutral way.
  • Example: “Dude, did you see that?”

3. Guy

  • A more neutral term referring to a man or boy.
  • Example: “That guy over there is hilarious.”

4. Homie

  • Slang for a close friend, often used in urban or hip-hop culture.
  • Example: “That’s my homie right there.”

5. Boy

  • The standard version of “boi,” often used in formal or less stylized contexts.
  • Example: “That boy is really talented.”

6. Bruh

  • A slang term derived from “bro,” used for emphasis or to express disbelief.
  • Example: “Bruh, you’ve got to be kidding me.”

7. Lad

  • A British term for a boy or young man, often used in casual or regional speech.
  • Example: “He’s a good lad, always helping out.”

8. Man

  • A general term for an adult male, but often used informally among friends.
  • Example: “Man, that was a crazy game!”

9. Son

  • A term of endearment or a playful way to address someone younger or subordinate.
  • Example: “Listen up, son, I’ve got advice for you.”

10. Bae

  • A term of affection meaning “before anyone else,” often used for significant others or loved ones.
  • Example: “That’s my bae right there.”

11. Kid

  • A casual term for a young person, often used affectionately.
  • Example: “You’re doing great, kid.”

12. Zaddy

  • Slang for a stylish, confident, or attractive man, often with wealth or power.
  • Example: “That zaddy knows how to dress!”

13. Sis

  • A female counterpart to terms like “bro” or “boi,” used in casual or affectionate contexts.
  • Example: “You’re killing it, sis!”

14. King

  • A term of empowerment or endearment for a male, often used to uplift or praise someone.
  • Example: “You’re doing amazing, King!”

15. Boi Boi

  • A playful or repetitive form of “boi,” sometimes used in memes or exaggerated humor.
  • Example: “Oh, boi boi, here we go again!”

Synonyms for Boi

There are several synonyms that you can use to replace this term in conversation. Some of the alternative words you could use depending on the context that it is being used in include:

  • boy
  • teenage male
  • gay submissive

“Boi” Examples

Sentence Examples

  • “Look at my boi over there, scoring the winning goal!”
  • “Oh boi, you really thought that plan would work?”
  • “She said her style is inspired by her inner boi vibe.”
  • “That’s my boi, always standing up for what’s right.”
  • “Here comes dat boi, ready to steal the show!”
  • “You better calm down, boi, before things get out of hand.”
  • “The internet has so many memes featuring the phrase ‘oh boi!’”

Conversation Examples

A text conversation between two friends.

  • Friend 1: What’s up, boiiiii?
  • Friend 2: Yo, not much! What up with you?
  • Friend 1: Bored as hell! Do you want to play some DC?
  • Friend 2: Sure! Let me log on. Give me a few minutes.

An online conversation between two Instagram users.

  • User 1: (posts a picture of herself) Tell me what you think of my new look!
  • User 2: I thought the idea of a new look was to improve the old one. You look like a turtle with no shell.
  • User 1: Boi, you better back up before I roast the out of your Instagram account.
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