Modern abbreviation

FWB

Friends with benefits


Friends who also have a sexual relationship, without the commitment of dating.

TypeModern abbreviation
Stands forFriends with benefits
Phrase dated1995 (Alanis Morissette, Head over Feet), Merriam-Webster and Wikipedia

History

The phrase is usually traced to Alanis Morissette's 1995 song Head over Feet, which uses best friend with benefits, though there it describes a romantic partner who is also a friend. Merriam-Webster gives 1997 as the first known use of friend with benefits in the modern sense. The abbreviation FWB follows in the early 2000s.

Related terms

NSALTR

How to cite this entry

“FWB.” The Personals Dictionary, AseeksB, 2026, https://www.aseeksb.com/dictionary/fwb.html.
← DDFGeneral delivery →

All dictionary entries  ·  The Personals Archive  ·  How to write a personal ad

Write your own

The form is still open. Say who you are, what you want, and who it is for, and choose exactly who can see it. Free on iOS and Android.

Download on the
App Store
Get it on
Google Play