Bestie vs. Best Friend — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Published on February 10, 2024
Bestie is a casual, trendy term for a very close friend. Best Friend is a traditional term denoting the closest and most important friend.
Difference Between Bestie and Best Friend
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Bestie" is a modern, colloquial term that emerged as a more casual and trendy way to refer to one's closest friend. In contrast, "Best Friend" is a more traditional and formal term, often suggesting a deeper and long-standing relationship.
The term "Bestie" is often used in light-hearted and informal contexts. It conveys a sense of fun and current social trends. "Best Friend," however, carries a sense of timelessness and seriousness, often implying a bond that has been tested over time.
"Bestie" can sometimes be used more liberally, to refer to multiple close friends in different contexts. "Best Friend," however, is usually singular and reserved for the one person who is considered the closest.
The usage of "Bestie" is often seen in social media and younger demographics. On the other hand, "Best Friend" is universally recognized and used across all ages and cultures.
In emotional depth, "Bestie" can sometimes imply a lighter, less committed relationship compared to "Best Friend," which often suggests a deeper, more enduring connection.
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Comparison Chart
Formality
Informal, trendy
Formal, traditional
Usage Frequency
More common in recent times
Consistently used across time
Age Group
More popular among younger people
Used by all age groups
Emotional Depth
Can imply a lighter relationship
Implies a deeper, long-term bond
Number of Relationships
Can refer to multiple people
Often singular, one primary individual
Compare with Definitions
Bestie
Informal reference to a person's closest confidant.
I shared my secrets with my bestie.
Best Friend
A person's closest and most trusted friend.
My best friend has been with me since childhood.
Bestie
A modern nickname for a person's favorite friend.
My bestie and I have matching bracelets.
Best Friend
The individual who knows someone better than anyone else.
My best friend can always tell when I'm feeling down.
Bestie
Colloquial term for someone's main companion in adventures.
My bestie and I traveled across Europe together.
Best Friend
A friend who is considered irreplaceable and invaluable.
My best friend was the first to congratulate me on my success.
Bestie
A buddy who is valued above all others.
My bestie is always there for me in tough times.
Best Friend
Someone who is deeply trusted and valued in one's life.
I always go to my best friend for advice.
Bestie
A term for a very close and cherished friend.
Going to the movies with my bestie always cheers me up.
Best Friend
The primary companion in someone's life.
My best friend and I share all our hobbies.
Bestie
(informal) best friend
Bestie
(informal) best friend; A term of address for someone, usually used to instruct, to make a statement, or to draw attention.
Common Curiosities
Can 'bestie' be used in professional contexts?
'Bestie' is usually too informal for professional contexts.
Is 'bestie' a formal term?
No, 'bestie' is informal and trendy.
Is 'bestie' used globally?
'Bestie' is popular in certain cultures and among younger demographics.
Does 'best friend' always mean the closest friend?
Yes, it typically denotes the closest and most significant friend.
Can 'best friend' refer to multiple people?
Typically, 'best friend' refers to a singular, most important friend.
Does 'best friend' imply a longer relationship than 'bestie'?
Often, 'best friend' implies a longer, more enduring relationship.
Can family members be called 'bestie'?
Yes, family members can be referred to as 'bestie' informally.
Is 'best friend' a recent term?
No, 'best friend' has been used traditionally for a long time.
Can 'bestie' imply a casual friendship?
Yes, 'bestie' can sometimes imply a more casual bond.
Can 'bestie' be used for online friends?
Yes, 'bestie' is often used for close online friendships.
Is 'best friend' used in literature?
Yes, 'best friend' is commonly used in literature and formal writing.
Is it common for adults to use 'bestie'?
While more common among youth, adults can also use 'bestie'.
Is 'best friend' a universal term?
Yes, 'best friend' is widely recognized and used globally.
Do the terms 'bestie' and 'best friend' evolve over time?
Yes, their usage and connotations can evolve culturally and socially.
Are 'bestie' and 'best friend' interchangeable?
They can be, but context and formality may dictate the appropriate choice.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
