What does 'tfw' mean? What to know if you're unsure how to use the term when texting

Technology Olivia Munson 18/10/2023

Will Smith once rapped, "Parents just don't understand." He couldn't have been talking about today's digital slang (the song is from 1988), but the meaning behind the famous line still rings true with all the ways young people use slang in their digital lives.

Thanks to slang and abbreviated terms, communication is becoming more concise and to-the-point. But with an ever-growing dictionary of phrases, it's easy to get lost in each unique usage and definition.

What looks like a keyboard smash could help you chat with family and friends and navigate social media. USA TODAY has been breaking down examples of text slang; from "ily" to "iykyk".

Now, it's time to learn a new one. Here is the meaning of and how to use "tfw."

What does 'tfw' mean?

According to Merriam-Webster, "tfw" stands for several things:

  • "That feeling when"
  • "That face when"
  • "That feel when"

Regardless of which exact phrase is being used, each has the same definition. "TFW" is utilized primarily on social media for relatability.

The abbreviation is often paired with a gif, video or photo so that the viewer can relate to a specific emotion or feeling toward a situation. This can be something more general, like your everyday 9-to-5 job, or something more niche, like a fandom or cultural experience.

How to use 'tfw'

Here are some examples of how to use "tfw": 

  • "TFW you get home after a long shift."
  • "TFW the paycheck hits."
  • "TFW you finally get a reply after being left on read for nine hours."

Just Curious for more? We've got you covered

USA TODAY is exploring the questions you and others ask every day. From "What causes an earthquake?" to "How to get rid of sweat bees?" to "How to see deleted messages on iPhone?", we're striving to find answers to the most common questions you ask every day. Head to our Just Curious section to see what else we can answer for you.

Want to learn? Catch up on more text slang explainers: 

  • What does 'iykyk' mean? Get in on the joke and understand how to use this texting slang
  • What does 'rn' mean? Here are two definitions you need to know when texting friends.
  • What does 'ily' mean? Show your loved ones you care with this text abbreviation
  • What does 'OOO' mean? Here's what it means and how to use it when you're away from work
  • What does 'EOD' mean? Here's how to use the term to notify deadlines to your coworkers
  • Looking for slang explainers? Just 'lmk': Here's what the term means
  • What does 'dw' mean? Here's the definition of the text slang and how to use it
  • Ending a convo over text? Here's what 'TTYL' means and how to use it
  • Sliding in the DMs? Here's what it means and how to use it
  • What does 'OP' mean? There's two definitions for the slang. Here's how to use it correctly
  • What does 'gts' mean? Definition of text term and how to use it
  • What does 'no cap' mean? Here's the definition of the slang term and how to use it
  • What does 'WYLL' mean? Here's what the text slang stands for and how to use it
  • What does 'rizz' mean? Here's the definition of social media slang term and how to use it
  • What does 'WTV' mean? The definition of the texting abbreviation, plus how to use it
  • What does 'MBN' mean? Here's what it means and how to use for texts, social media
  • What does 'IMO' mean? Make sure you're using this internet, texting acronym correctly
  • What does 'tbh' mean? Here's what the acronym means and how to use it in conversation
  • What does 'wyd' mean? What it means and how to use the acronym correctly in conversation
  • What does 'AFK' mean? And examples of how to use it when texting friends
  • What does 'OTP' mean? Breaking down the fandom term, slang
  • What does 'fwiw' mean? The acronym's definition and how to use it in your conversations
  • What does 'smh' mean? Defining the texting acronym and how to use it in your conversations
  • What does 'ICYMI' mean? Here's what it means and examples of it used in conversation
  • What does 'ngl' mean? Make sure you're using this internet, texting acronym correctly
  • What does 'hmu' mean? Get to know Internet, texting acronym
  • What does 'tbh' mean? Here's what the acronym means and how to use it in conversation
  • What does 'POV' mean? Breaking down the definition of the abbreviation
  • What does 'idk' mean? What the texting slang means and how to use in conversation
  • What does 'mid' mean? Here's what the internet slang term means and how to use it
  • What does 'OG' mean? Here is what the slang means and how to use it correctly

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