“Bruh” Meaning, Origin and Examples

Last updated on January 4, 2025 by Isabella Claire

The slang term “bruh” is a relatively new term that you can find being used widely on the internet, in text messages, and everyday conversation. If you have heard this word and were wondering what it meant, then you have come to the right place. Here you will find the meaning of this term, information about its origin if available, and some alternative meanings if there are any.

You will also see some example conversations that you can read to see how the term is used properly in context and to help you better understand its definition. Finally, you will see some synonymous words or phrases that you can use in place of this particular term to mean the same thing in conversation.

“Bruh” Meaning, Origin and Usage

Key Takeaways

  • The term “bruh” is a casual slang word that originated from the word “bro”, which is short for “brother.”
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“Bruh” Meaning

What Does “Bruh” Mean?

This slang term is another way of saying “brother.” It can be used for someone who is your brother, but it can also be used to address someone who is a close friend. It is often used in the form to say “really?” or “seriously?” in response to something serious or funny.

Origin of “Bruh”

“Bruh” originated from “bro,” a casual form of “brother” in African-American Vernacular English (AAVE). It emerged in the Southern U.S. and became popular in hip-hop culture in the 1990s.

The term gained widespread recognition in the 2010s through memes and social media, such as the iconic “bruh moment” meme. Today, it’s used globally to express surprise, disbelief, or as a casual greeting.

Usage of this Term

1. Disbelief or Shock

  • “Bruh, did you just see that?”
    (Expressing surprise at something unexpected.)

2. Annoyance or Frustration

  • “Bruh, stop messing with me.”
    (Showing irritation with someone’s actions.)

3. Humor or Sarcasm

  • “Bruh, really? You ate the whole pizza?”
    (Playfully teasing someone.)

4. Acknowledgment

  • “Thanks for helping me out, bruh.”
    (Expressing gratitude in a casual way.)

5. Reacting to Something Ridiculous

  • “Bruh, that outfit is wild!”
    (Commenting on something absurd or funny.)

6. Greeting or Address

  • “Yo, bruh, what’s up?”
    (Using it as a casual greeting for a friend.)

Related Terms to “Bruh”

  • Bro – A casual term for “brother” or close friend.
  • Bruv – Commonly used in British slang, similar to “bro” or “bruh.”
  • Brah – A Hawaiian Pidgin variation, also used informally elsewhere.
  • Buddy – A friendly way to address someone.
  • Dude – An informal term for a friend or guy.
  • Homie – Refers to a close friend or someone from the same neighborhood.
  • Fam – Short for “family,” used for close friends or a supportive group.
  • Mate – Common in British and Australian English, meaning “friend.”
  • Sis – Informal for “sister,” often used in the same context as “bruh” but for women.

Synonyms for “Bruh”

There are many synonymous words or phrases that you can use to represent this slang term. Some other words or phrases that you could use instead include:

  • really?
  • seriously?
  • are you being serious right now?

“Bruh” Examples

Sentence Examples

  • Bruh, did you seriously just eat the last slice of pizza?
  • I was so close to winning the game, and then the power went out—bruh, come on!
  • Bruh, that movie was so intense, I’m still shaking.
  • When you forget your phone at home and only realize it halfway to work—bruh, why me?
  • Bruh, have you seen the price of gas lately? It’s ridiculous!
  • He showed up to the gym in flip-flops—bruh, what are you doing?
  • Bruh, I can’t believe you thought that was a good idea.

Conversation Examples

A text message exchange between two friends.

  • Friend 1: Man, today is the worst day. I came home to find out my dog died!
  • Friend 2: Bruh! No way!

An online conversation between two Twitter users.

  • User 1: My dad asked me a question today and maybe you all can help me out with it because I still don’t know the answer. What color was George Washington‘s brown horse?
  • User 2: Bruh!
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