Is Bub an insults?

35 comments

1. Hard to say without more context. It can be a friendly expression but it can also have a patronizing tone. Like “sure, bub, whatever.”

   It’s also not super common.

2. Not a compliment. But context is important.

3. By definition it is but I had to look that up. I’m not sure how many people know that.

   I’ve honestly never heard the word used outside of Wolverine in the X-Men movies but, if I did, would just assume they were quoting him.

4. It’s kinda like “mate” in the UK I think…

   I’ve seen that one used both positively and right before one dude laid another out in a pub fight.

   Context matters.

5. I feel like it’s kind of an ironic/jokey thing to say in 2023. I wouldn’t take it too seriously if I heard it.

6. It depends on the situation, but it can be used as insulting over-familiarity. Almost any “friendly” word can be used this way, including “friend” and “buddy”.

7. Depends on the context.

   if you are helping someone or comforting them you can say, “You alright bub!”

   Like that.

   BTW Genuine question bub, where are you from if you don’t mind me asking!

8. I call my kids Bub or bubba all the damn time for some reason. Like I never said it before them but it just seems to come out easy when speaking to them. And yes I’ve said it talking to others as well. Never an insult it’s just part of my vocabulary now lol. Like cashier will be like “you’re all set” and I’ll sometimes say “thanks bub” instinctively.

9. Here in New England it’s just a common name. Nub, buddy, etc.

   I wouldn’t assume unfriendliness unless the context was clear.

10. Bub, buddy, pal, chief, bud, etc come across as passive aggressive and assholish in a large number of contexts. Anyone in the habit of addressing strangers in this manner should work on correcting it. You can sound like a prick, even if it was unintentional.

    I assume it is the same for women and honey, sweetheart, etc

11. Depends entirely on the context. To me its pretty much the exact same as “buddy” which could either be super condescending or a casual greeting to a friend.

    “Whats up bub?” as a greeting is friendly

    “Sure ok bub” during an argument is condescending

12. Levels of white America anger:

    6) “Son of a gun”

    5) “Allliliright, bucko”

    4) “You just hold your horses”

    3) “Well now wait just minute, Bub”

    2) “Newsflash pal”

    1) Listen here, buddy.

13. I just want to build on what other people have said about this being context specific. Using ‘bub’ is like any other time you use a term of familiarity to talk to someone. When used sincerely or with people you’re actually close to it is a friendly gesture. But when you use it with someone you are unfamiliar with or are speaking with a rude tone it comes off as patronizing. [This King of the Hill clip demonstrates the principle very well.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZHM41ntOLc) Pay no mind to the distortion edits, this was the best video I could find.

14. Oh, bless your heart

15. The only time I’ve ever heard it is when a parent is scolding a child. “You’re not done yet, bub” or something like that

16. It’s really just an expression, but it is most often used in an agitated or mildly aggressive tone with someone who has grown impatient or annoyed with something.

    It can be used in a friendly sentence though, it’s all about the context.

    It’s not a commonly used word though

17. It’s a generic term like buddy or guy or something like that. Not insulting by definition but could be depending on context.

18. It’s outdated. Now, someone would say Dude.

19. Not usually, but anything can be an insult depending on how it’s said. “Sweetie” comes to mind- can be genuine but is often meant to be condescending. So it totally depends on the tone/context.

20. Context is key. But “Bub” is not really common parlance.

21. I don’t think so but I don’t think I’ve ever heard anyone use it.

22. Gypsies in the csra would call each other bub or bubby.

    Never heard bub used outside of their own language. Have heard bud and buddy. But not bub or bubby

23. It depends on if you are a small child or a particular cat (the late Lil BUB). In those cases, friendly.

    Otherwise, doubtful.

24. It’s an insult

25. I have never heard anyone besides Wolverine from X-men refer to anyone as “bub”

26. I’d say mildly insulting in a condescending manner, but it also sounds like something a 1930s gangster would say.

    If the pregnancy/early parenthood subs are any indication, apparently there are some folks (British? Aussies? Not sure) who call their babies “bub” or “bubs,” and that always cracks me up since my association with the term is so wildly different.

27. I have never met anyone who does this IRL. I’m sure they exist, but I’m thinking “They’re doing a Wolverine impression?”

28. I don’t know that I’ve heard anyone but Wolverine say this.

29. I have never heard the term be used in any context outside of a Wolverine impression.

30. I think it depends mostly on tone. It might be joking or it might indicate they are annoyed.

31. Yeah, it’s a bit belligerent, I’d say. That’s not universally true, but, you wouldn’t make many friends talking to people like that.

32. I’ve never heard someone say bub in real life.

33. My coworkers and I call each other Bub all the time. For us it’s a term of endearment. Serious bromance action where I work

34. It can be, but not all the time. At best it’s neutral, but that’s at best.

35. Totally depends of context.

    “What’s the hub-bub, bub?” Is very light hearted and friendly. (And a favorite expression of my grandfather’s)

    “Watch yourself, bub” usually pretty lighthearted.

    “Watch yourself…. Bub!” Might be getting ready to fight you.