What Does the Slang "CBA" Mean in Texting & on Social Media?

CBA Meaning in Slang

CBA stands for “can’t be arsed” in British slang. “Can’t be arsed” is a British slang phrase that means you can’t be bothered to do something or you aren’t willing to do something. You usually use this phrase to mean you’re feeling too lazy or tired to do something, but it can also simply mean you don’t want to do it. Examples: “I CBA to go out tonight. I put on my jammies and now I’m too tired to leave the house.” “I really need to do my homework, but I CBA. I’m having too much fun playing this new game I just got.” CBA also means “can’t be arsed” in texting and on social media (Snapchat, Instagram, X/Twitter, etc). In British slang, “arse” means the same thing as “a**” in American slang. For instance, Brits say “arsehole” as an insult similar to “a**hole.” “Arsed” itself means “concerned” or “bothered.” People in Australia and New Zealand also commonly say “CBA.”

CBA also stands for “can’t be asked,” which is a less vulgar variation. CBA is also an abbreviation for “can’t be asked,” which means the same thing as “can’t be arsed” (you can’t be bothered to do something). Some people use “can’t be asked” as a more polite alternative to “can’t be arsed” since “arsed” is considered a vulgar expletive. Examples: “Would you get a takeaway on the way home? I CBA to cook tonight.” “I just blocked Nate. I CBA to text him back if all he’s going to do is lie.” In some British accents, “arsed” sounds like “asked,” so this phrase might have simply come from a miscommunication. Most people say “can’t be arsed” to mean “I can’t be bothered” instead of “can’t be asked.” Some people consider “can’t be asked” the American version of “can’t be arsed” since it’s easier to pronounce with an American accent. So, you might be more likely to hear Americans say this.

How and When to Use CBA

Use CBA to tell close friends that you don’t want to do something. Since “can’t be arsed” contains a curse word, it’s best to use CBA in casual conversations with close friends; your elderly family members might find it offensive while it's considered too vulgar and informal for the workplace. Simply text or message it to your friends to explain that you don’t want to do an activity or to vent that you’re too tired to do some task. “I guess I’m going to wear the same jumper as yesterday. I CBA to do a wash right now.” “I really CBA to go to Ramy’s party. Nobody fun is going, so it’s probably going to be boring.” “I fell asleep and CBA to finish the film. Can you just tell me what happened?”

Origins of CBA

CBA might come from the phrase “get off your arse.” There’s no clear origin for the expression “can’t be arsed.” However, many Brits believe the expression comes from the phrase “get off your arse,” which means to stop being lazy and start doing something. So, “can’t be arsed” might be a short way of saying, “I can’t be bothered to get off my arse.” Some people believe that “can’t be arsed” comes from people mishearing others say “can’t be asked.” “Can’t be asked” might make more sense literally, as it means you’re so unwilling to do something that you can’t even imagine being asked to do it.

Less Common Meanings of CBA

Collective bargaining agreement In the business world, CBA stands for “collective bargaining agreement.” A CBA is a contract between an employer and a union (made up of employees) that details the terms and conditions they both agree to. For instance, the CBA might outline wages, working hours, and benefits. You might come across CBA online if you’re a part of a union, are an employer, or work in a company’s HR department.

Cost-benefit analysis In economics and business, CBA means “cost-benefit analysis.” This is a decisional tool that helps companies and policymakers determine whether a project or choice is a good one to make. It involves weighing the total monetary costs of the decision or project against the total monetary benefits. You might see CBA used online if you work in an economic, finance, or policy-making field.

Credit business associate For people who work in credit management, CBA stands for “credit business associate.” This is a professional certification that means the person has mastered basic financial accounting, business credit principles, and introductory financial statement analysis. You’ll likely come across CBA in this context online if you work in finance, accounting, or credit management.

Centrally billed account In the banking and business worlds, CBA can also stand for “centrally billed account.” This is a bank account that is opened and operated by an organization. This allows the employees to pay for organizational expenses using the company’s account, which are then gathered into 1 bill for the entire company. So, you may see CBA used online if you work at a bank or a large organization or agency.

Related Slang & Phrases

IDGAF IDGAF stands for “I don’t give a f***.” This is an informal and slightly aggressive way of saying that you don’t care about something. Like CBA, you can use IDGAF to mean that you can’t be bothered to do something because you’re so indifferent to it. “IDGAF about the work party tomorrow. It’s a waste of time, so I’m not going.” Also like CBA, stick to using IDGAF with close friends since it contains a potentially offensive curse word.

IDC IDC is a common acronym that means “I don’t care.” You use it similarly to IDGAF, though IDC is seen as less aggressive or rude because it doesn’t contain a curse word. “Honestly, IDC what we do tomorrow. I just want to see you and catch up!”

I don’t give a hoot “I don’t give a hoot” is an idiom that also means you don’t care about something or someone. It’s a more family-friendly version of IDGAF that has a more lighthearted or comical meaning. “I don’t give a hoot what you wear to dinner. Just show up on time!” “I don’t give a damn” is another phrase that means “I don’t care.” It’s slightly more assertive than “I don’t give a hoot,” but not as offensive as “IDGAF.”

I couldn’t care less “I couldn’t care less” is a popular phrase that means you really don’t care about something. You usually use it in a rude or disrespectful way to emphasize that you aren’t concerned about something or someone. “I couldn’t care less what you think of me. You mean nothing to me anymore.”

Whatever “Whatever” is a common expression that means you feel indifferent or unconcerned about something. You can also use it to mean that something or someone is unimportant to you. “Oh, Bernice didn’t invite me to her party? Whatever. I don’t like her anyway.” “Whatevs” is an even more casual and flippant way of saying “whatever” that can imply you really don’t care about something.

WGAT WGAT is an acronym for the British slang phrase “who gives a toss.” This expression means that you don’t care or feel indifferent about something or someone. “WGAT what your ex thinks? You’ve been broken up for ages. If you’re into Gavin, ask him on a date!”

NTY NTY is a popular acronym that stands for “no thank you.” It’s a polite way to decline an invitation or say you don’t want to do something. So, you can use it as a nicer alternative to CBA. “I appreciate the lunch invite, but NTY. I’m trying to save money right now.”