BDay

BDAY is an informal abbreviation for birthday, referring to the anniversary of a person's birth. It is widely used in casual writing, text messaging, social media, and informal invitations. In formal writing, the full term “birthday” is preferred.

Celebrations of a birthday commonly include a gathering, a cake with candles, singing “Happy Birthday,” and the giving of gifts or well-wishes. The specific customs vary by culture and individual preference. Some people celebrate only with close family, while others host larger parties. Age is often highlighted, but many people use non-age‑specific decorations or celebrate milestones rather than every year.

The concept of marking a birthday is ancient, and the modern practice of a cake with candles has various origins. The word “birthday” comes from Old English geburdaeg, meaning “birth-day.” The abbreviation BDAY arose with the rise of digital communication and is common in text chats, social media posts, and casual branding. It is generally considered informal and not appropriate for formal contexts.

BDAY can also appear in event planning and marketing as a stylized shorthand for a birthday-related occasion. Cultural attitudes toward aging and celebration influence how BDAY is observed, but the core idea remains the annual remembrance of one’s birth date.