Bestie

A person's closest friend, named with affection in informal speech.

Reach for it when referring warmly and casually to a very close friendship

Kai called his bestie first when the scholarship letter arrived.

• playful

  BFF

  texting or youth-oriented language is intentional

  not when BFF is highly casual and can feel juvenile or exclusionary.

• playful

  pal

  casual friendly companionship is enough

  not when Pal is less intimate and can sound dated in some regions.

• everyday

  best friend

  clear familiar wording suits any age group

  not when Best friend is less playful and may sound possessive in a wider friendship circle.

• warm

  closest friend

  emotional closeness matters without ranking language

  not when Closest friend is more serious and lacks the affectionate slang tone.

• formal

  confidant

  trust with private thoughts defines the relationship

  not when A confidant may not share everyday companionship or joy.

• enemy
• stranger
• rival

• childhood bestie

  Her childhood bestie still remembers every school play.

• my bestie

  My bestie saved a seat beside the aisle.

• new bestie

  The puppy found a new bestie at the training class.

Bestie is affectionate slang. It may sound juvenile or overly intimate in professional and ceremonial settings.