SMB Meaning in Slang, Business, Tech & More

When somebody uses SMB, it may be tricky at first to figure out what they mean. Are they using slang, talking about computers and businesses, or some secret third thing? Given that the term is becoming popular on TikTok, knowing all of its meanings is becoming a memorization challenge. But that’s why we’re here! In this article, we'll teach you everything you need to know about what SMB means in text, on social media, and in other contexts.

What does SMB mean in text?

In slang, SMB means "somebody" in text messages and on social media like TikTok. It can also stand for the insult "suck my b*lls."
In business, SMB stands for small-to-midsize business (a classification based on a company's employee size and revenue).
In tech, SMB means Server Message Block (SMB) protocol, which is a popular workplace file-sharing system.

1

“Somebody”

Download Article

Use SMB as shorthand for “somebody” over text or on TikTok. Send SMB as a casual abbreviation for anyone, or to describe someone specific that you don’t want to name directly (like if they'd rather not be mentioned or if you're feuding with them).^{[1]
X
Research source} Using SMB to mean “somebody” is most common among young people, but people of all ages can use the term. It’s mainly used online on apps like TikTok, but shows up over text and other sites, too. For example:
- “Smb tell me what they thought of this movie. Is it worth seeing?”
- “It’s crazy when smb you thought was cool does you wrong 🙄”^{[2]
  X
  Research source}
- SMB was first used in place of "somebody" on TikTok in 2020, but became more common in 2023 as more young people started to use it.

2

“Suck My B*lls”

Download Article

Use SMB when you need a rude comeback online or over text. Although this meaning isn’t as common as “somebody,” using SMB for “suck my b*lls” is still a fixture of many text and comment threads. Sling it as a quick insult when you're annoyed or angry with someone and wants to express it (or just want to playfully razz them).^{[3]
X
Research source}
- Them: “I can't believe you took the last seat in Stacy's car!”
  You: “Smb! First come, first serve!”
- Them: “Can you lend me $20?”
  You:“SMB! You never pay anyone back.”

3

Server Message Block

Download Article

In tech, an SMB is a file-sharing protocol that’s popular in workplaces. With a server message block (SMB) protocol, people are able to access company files, printers, and other devices or resources from multiple computers or other devices. The SMB protocol was developed by IBM, one of the world’s biggest technology companies.^{[4]
X
Research source}
- In IT, protocol is a set of rules that determine how devices send info and talk to each other on any given network.
- Popular systems like Windows, MacOS, iOS, Linux, and Android all use an SMB to share files and information across their networks.
- This meaning of SMB is one of the most common, and you're bound to see it frequently if you work in or closely with IT.

4

Small-to-Midsize Business

Download Article

In business, SMB refers to businesses with 25 to 500 employees. If you see SMB in a company presentation, it’s safe to assume the presenter is referring to a small-to-midsize business. In the professional world, an SMB usually has an annual revenue of less than $50 million, and some larger SMBs can reach up to 5,000 employees. They’re considered the backbone of the economy, as most businesses across the world are SMBs that promote innovation.^{[5]
X
Research source}
- Some SMBs make more than $50 million, but less than $1 billion. There is no agreed-upon definition of a small-to-midsize business, but they usually fall into these ranges.
- SMBs often struggle with building capital, maintaining talent, and accessing resources, but they combat these struggles with tight budgets, strong hiring incentives and federal government assistance.

5

“Sorry, My Bad”

Download Article

Use “smb” to apologize for something minor over text or online. Using SMB in place of “Sorry, my bad” isn’t as common as other slang meanings, but it is still somewhat common among TikTok users. If a friend texts you saying that something you did upset them, for example, say “smb” to apologize. Follow it up by explaining your actions so that your apology is more genuine. Keep in mind that a quick apology over text works for minor or mostly unimportant things. If you're in a serious argument, a phone call or in-person chat is best.
- Them: “Are you running late again?”
  You: “Smb, I got held up by a work meeting. Be there soon!”
- Them: “Ugh you ate all the chips!”
  You: “Smb I was so hungry when I got home 😭”

6

Super Mario Bros

Download Article

Use SMB to refer to the Super Mario Bros franchise online. SMB can refer to the classic Super Mario Bros video games as well as the movie, The Super Mario Bros. If you’re talking to Mario fans online and need a quick way to mention the franchise, use SMB (in a forum or post about the games, folks will be able to tell this is what you mean from context).
- “Can't wait for the next SMB game!”
- “I've always loved gaming. SMB and Donkey Kong were huge for me.”

7

Super Meat Boy

Download Article

Use SMB when you’re talking about the Super Meat Boy video game online. Super Meat Boy is a popular video game franchise from the 2010s. This meaning was a lot more common in the 2010s when the franchise had more popularity, but you may still occasionally see it in old forums or in reference to the game.
- “Wow! I haven't played SMB in forever.”
- Them: “I’ve been looking for a new game to play but I’m not having any luck.”
  You: “Try that old SMB game. You’ll be stuck on that for a while.”

8

Surface Marker Buoy

Download Article

A surface marker buoy (SMB) is a piece of scuba diving equipment. The buoy is used by divers to mark where they're diving on the surface of the water. A diver will inflate the brightly colored, inflatable tube to signal their location or let others know they're in distress. This makes it easier for people and boat traffic to know where their whereabouts quickly.^{[6]
X
Research source}
- If you’re taking a scuba diving class and they mention SMBs, they’re talking about surface marker buoys, which are crucial for diver safety.