Have you seen the common text-based abbreviation 'TFW' or 'tfw' on the internet and would like to have more context as to what it means? The term 'TFW' is accepted as one of the earliest acronyms on the internet. This term unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression.
Meaning
The term 'TFW' is a common text-based abbreviation and it is generally accepted as one of the first internet-based acronyms that people used to save time when they type.
The term 'TFW' is one that has been used for decades as a shorter way to say “that feels when” although there are some other accepted supposed meanings for this acronym.
The term is often used sarcastically or humorously, and the term is used to point out that someone feels the same in a specific situation – or that people feels exactly the opposite when presented with the situation.
“That feeling” is usually open to interpretation, although the feeling that is implied is generally clear enough from looking at the text.
The term is rarely written out, and the terms TFW and tfw are used by most people to save time.
Use of the term is acceptable as a comment, as a hashtag or it might appear as part of a larger discussion with other users.
Sometimes the term also appears as a caption on something that has been said instead.
The term is considered acceptable as both upper and lowercase terms.
Example Usage
“Everyone has been to the bar with their grandmother in their thirties and felt very grown up. If you haven't done this yet, you should really try it. #tfw #allgrownupnow”
“We all know tfw you walk into the bar where everybody knows your name. #cheers #tfw #barfly”
“If you don't know tfw you walk into the bar, maybe you should go out more often. #tfw #catlady”
“I have no idea how this is going to work, but I think I know tfw you have no idea what you're doing like the meme of the dog in front of the chemistry set. #tfw”
Origin
The term 'TFW' is accepted to be one of the earliest internet abbreviations, and it is generally accepted to be used as a short version to say “that feeling when” instead of writing out the entire expression.
It is likely that this common internet term originated on early message boards of the internet in the early 90s, and then spread to more common use as text-based abbreviations and text messaging became more obvious.
The term would enter Urban Dictionary in the early 2000s, so usage before this time is likely.
With the increased popularity of social media websites including TikTok after the year 2016, the expression 'TFW' has become known and popular again with a lot of internet-based abbreviations that people might have forgotten about.
Phrases Similar to TFW
- N/a
Phrases Opposite to TFW
- N/a
What is the Correct Saying?
- TFW
- tfw
Ways People May Say TFW Incorrectly
There are several different ways in which people might use the term 'tfw' incorrectly, and many other ways in which others can misinterpret the way the term was used by the original poster.
The term 'TFW' is accepted as a text-based abbreviation that is short for “That Feeling When” and other meanings are not generally accepted when the term is used in conversation, on the internet or social media.
While not the incorrect way to use the term, writing the term out in full has become more rare with time.
Acceptable Ways to Phrase TFW
The acceptable way to use the term 'TFW' is as a text-based abbreviation for “that feeling when”.
The term can be used anywhere other users are expected to understand a post or question based on associative feelings (e.g. that they could feel the same or understand the feeling themselves).