Did a friend just type ‘ftr’ in a text message? If so, they’re telling you that they’re on the record.
This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression.
Meaning
The abbreviation ‘ftr’ is a text-based acronym for ‘for the record.’ If you’re using ‘ftr’ in a text message, it means you’re trying to tell the other person you’re about to say something noteworthy or memorable.
You can also drop it when you want to impress that you’re being honest about something and willing to stake your reputation on it.
Using ‘ftr’ can mean you don’t agree with another person’s viewpoint, and you’re distancing yourself from them and the forthcoming action against them. Using ‘ftr’ in this sense means you want nothing to do with the other person's viewpoints, suggestions, or opinions.
You can also use ‘ftr’ when you want to emphasize your role in something so you can take credit for the result.
Example Usage
"FTR, I told them we had to go back to get you. They would have kept driving if it weren't for me, and you would have been walking home."
"You know that's not true. FTR, I told her she was making a mistake, and she chose to ignore me. I can't control what she does with her life."
"Look, FTR, I know it was Martha, and I'm willing to tell carol if you can't handle the truth. I know she was your best friend, and you don't want to feel like you're betraying her."
"FTR, for real, I feel like I could have done more to be supportive of her. She didn't deserve to end up like that."
"FTR, I'm not with these guys on that. I don't have the same opinion as them, and don't paint me with the same brush as them."
Origin
The acronym 'ftr' is one of the first generations of text-based acronyms developed in the early 2000s. During the early years of texting, people would have to use the number keypad on their cellphone to type out a message. This task involved pressing a number key several times to realize the character you wanted to add to the text.
It was frustrating, and people started using abbreviations for popular terms, such as 'rolling on the floor laughing = ROFL.' The first entry of 'ftr' into the Urban Dictionary was in 2003, and it's still in use today.
The expression 'for the record' has much older origins. The phrase's first appearance was in the book 'Prelude to Space' by Arthur Clarke in 1953.
Phrases Similar to FTR
- On the record.
- Just so you know.
- To be clear.
Phrases Opposite to FTR
- OTR.
- Off the record.
What is the Correct Saying?
- FTR.
- For the record.
Ways People May Say FTR Incorrectly
You’ll use ‘for the record’ in verbal exchanges. Typically, ‘for the record’ is used by the police, criminals, legal counsel, and reporters and mostly refers to official oral communications, such as court statements and Affi davits.
Acceptable Ways to Phrase FTR
You can use ‘FTR’ in text message communications when you want to say ‘for the record.’ You’ll use it in the message when you want to let the other person know you’re being serious, and they can quote you on what you say. It’s a way of telling them you’re being honest with them, and you expect them to believe you’re making a direct statement.
You can use ‘FTR’ when divulging important or previously unknown information to the other person. ‘FTR’ is only suitable for text communications. You’ll use ‘FTR’ with friends when you want to state you have a difference of opinion and distance yourself from them.