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If you’re a regular gamer or often chat on social media platforms, you might stumble across the acronym “AFK” popping up on your screen.
Unless you’re a pro multiplayer gamer, it will only look like a cryptic code, leaving you scratching your head. However, if you’re familiar with the popular text abbreviations, you’d know it means “Away from Keyboard.”
Nevertheless, many need to familiarize themselves with AFK meaning, its proper usage, origin, and more. Worry not; I’ll share the required information in this write-up ensuring you’re never left puzzled by this common piece of internet shorthand.
I had to ask my son what does "afk" mean… I'm officially old and also forgetful.
— Chevy (@chevy_techno) March 31, 2022
Quick Answer
AFK stands for “away from keyboard.” It simply indicates that you’ll not be using your keyboard for a while.
AFK stands for – “away from keyboard,” and the acronym is used when the user will not be using their keyboard for a while, or, you can say, not online at the moment.
So, if you’re playing a game and have to urgently handle some other task, you can simply say AFK in the chat. Moreover, if a person is away from the keyboard, you can’t expect them to answer right away.
As per the information given on Dictionary.com, the acronym AFK originated in the 1980s. The online newsletter Fidonet listed it in small letters (afk) with other commonly used old-school slang terms like “brb” and “lol.”
During that time, people used to type AFK on Internet Relay Chat (an online chat platform) whenever they were leaving the keyboard for a while.
Later, people started using AFK excessively while playing multiplayer games.
AFK has been used excessively while texting, gaming, and using social media platforms. That said, let’s take a look at its meaning in detail to help you understand the acronym’s usage.
When you’re texting, it’s typically because you have the mobility of a mobile phone at your fingertips. So, when you send “AFK” while texting someone, it means you’re taking a break from the ongoing conversation.
Moreover, it lets the other person know that you won’t be able to respond right away.
In gaming, the meaning of AFK stays the same, i.e., “away from keyboard,” which can also represent “away from the controller.” Typing this acronym while playing a game is an indication to your gaming buddies or teammates that you’re temporarily leaving the gaming session to take a break, attend to something else, or deal with an issue.
To put it simply, AFK can be used in any situation where a keyboard is used. So, if you’re using any social media platform, sending AFK, in a chat means you’ll be leaving the conversation for a few minutes. You can even mention the time, like “AFK for 5 minutes,” to let the other person know you’ll be away.
Every online conversation doesn’t mean to be casual. When it’s about gaming or having a chit-chat with your friends, using AFK is fine. However, you must refrain from using it while working remotely, attending an online meeting, or having a discussion over email.
Abbreviations or slang terms are better avoided when:
Understanding the acronym AFK is crucial for anyone communicating online. Whether you’re a gamer, social media user, or frequent texter, the abbreviation “afk” meaning “away from keyboard” can prove to help signify temporary absences.
However, it’s important to recognize the context in which you use the slang term. While it’s perfectly suitable for informal discussions like online gaming chats or discussions with your friends, it must be avoided during formal or professional conversations.
AFK in social media stands for “away from keyboard.”
AFK can leave a bad impression on your teammates if you’re leaving the game in the middle of a mission.
GG means “Good Game.”
AFK is mostly used during informal conversations or while playing online multiplayer games.
ASF while texting is a shortening of the phrase As F**k.
