HB
- 1.Hurry back
- 2.Hit batsmen
- 3.Hug back
Hit batsmen
In baseball, HB stands for "hit batsman" ("hit batsmen" when plural), a pitching stat that tracks how many batters a pitcher has hit with a pitch. When a pitcher accidentally (or sometimes intentionally) plunks a batter, the hitter is awarded first base, and the incident is recorded as an HB.
The HB stat has been part of official MLB box scores and player records since the early days of professional baseball. The stat is closely related to HBP, which is often used interchangeably and can be viewed similarly to BB, since both result in a free base.
Statisticians, broadcasters, and fans who are deep into sabermetrics mainly use it. Additionally, pitchers with high HB counts can develop a reputation, whether for being wild or intimidating (they may like to crowd the zone aggressively), and some fans keep a close eye on the number during heated rivalries.
Example
The pitcher recording an HB
Related Slang
| HBP | Hit by pitch |
| BB | Bases on balls |
| SP | Starting pitcher |
| RP | Relief pitcher |
| Ace | Best starting pitcher |
| Closer | A relief pitcher that finishes a baseball game |
| Chin music | Pitch that nearly hits the batter's head |
| High and tight | High and inside pitch |
| Jam | To pitch near a batter's hands |
| MLB | Major League Baseball |
Categories
Hug back
When you send someone a digital hug, they may respond with HB, or "hug back." For example, you might see HB used in response to H, GBH, or XOXO.
Your family and SO are most likely to use HB to mean "hug back," as you exchange hugs and kisses via chat or text messages. However, bros might also use HB to cement a virtual bro hug.
Example
Some people don't instinctively HB
Related Slang
| GBH | Great big hug |
| H&K | Hugs and kisses |
| XO | Kiss and Hug |
| mwahugz | Kisses and hugs |
| AAF | Always and forever |
| BFF | Best friends forever |
| bf | Boyfriend |
| gf | Girlfriend |
| H | Hug |
| XOXO | Hugs and kisses |
| Bro hug | Hug between two men |
How well do you know your texting slang?
Someone who sends you HB wants you to "hurry back." You might receive this acronym after telling a friend you're going AFK. That friend wants you to return as quickly as you can, so you can keep chatting.
If you have the time, you can reply to HB with "will do" or BRB, to let the person you're chatting with know you'll be back ASAP. Or, you could spend that time actually doing whatever it is you need to do, so you can return more quickly.