What Does FTFY Mean?

PDF download Download Article
Everything you need to know about this mystery acronym that seems to be everywhere
PDF download Download Article

Keep seeing comments like “FTFY” on Twitter, Reddit, and other social media platforms? Confused by its definition? Well, you’re not alone! Keep reading and we’ll teach you the many meanings of “FTFY,” how to use it, and the best ways to reply to this dubious phrase. By the end of this article, you’ll be saying “FTFY” like a pro!

Things You Should Know

  • FTFY is short for "fixed that for you." It's often used sarcastically, but can also be used in an editorial context.
  • Use FTFY whenever you're providing assistance, making a counterpoint, or making corrections.
  • FTFY may mean "f*ck this, f*ck you" when it's used in a more vulgar context.
Section 1 of 4:

What Does “FTFY” Mean?

PDF download Download Article
  1. If you’re struggling to master a certain part of a website or need information, someone may comment “FTFY” to let you know they’ve found a solution to your problem and helped you out. [1]
    • Because the internet is a deeply ironic place, “FTFY” is most often used sarcastically. If someone disagrees with a point you made, they’ll likely reply “FTFY” accompanied by a changed definition that undermines you and suits their point of view better. [2]
    • Someone may also use “FTFY” as a comment in a more editorial context. If you’ve asked someone to correct your grammar on a document or an IT professional to fix a computer bug, they may notify you they’ve righted the issues with a simple “FTFY” note. [3]
    2. Advertisement
Section 2 of 4:

How to Use “FTFY”

PDF download Download Article
  1. While unfortunately not as common as the sarcastic version, the technically correct way to use “FTFY” is after you’ve helped someone with an issue online. “FTFY” is especially helpful on sites like Reddit where edits can be made to improve posts regularly. [4]
    • “FTFY! You now have moderator privileges.”
    • “FTFY! Your profile should be up and running again.”
    • “FTFY! I’ve deleted their account.”
  2. If you have a good sense of humor and disagree with a popular take, create a counterpoint and punctuate it with “FTFY.” The term is meant to be silly just as often as it’s meant to be sincere. [5]
    • “ Rock Jazz is easily the best type of music. FTFY!”
    • “You hate the beach?! How can you hate sunshine and tranquility overpriced parking and freezing cold water?! FTFY!”
    • “Be careful! It’s flu Aquarius season! FTFY 🙂”
  3. “FTFY” makes for an easy notification when it comes to edits. If someone’s grammar is poor, if they’ve accidentally used the wrong link, or if they’ve made any other sort of noticeable online/texting mistake, feel free to remedy their error and respond “FTFY.” [6]
    • “*Your. Not You’re. FTFY 😉”
    • “You’re thinking of Frederick the Great, not Alexander the Great. FTFY.”
    • “FTFY That html address is blocked. Here’s a better one!”
    4. Advertisement
Section 3 of 4:

How to Reply When Someone Says “FTFY”

PDF download Download Article
  1. If someone is using “FTFY” earnestly and has genuinely assisted you, it’s polite to thank them for their efforts. Express your gratitude and acknowledge your error if necessary. [7]
    • “Whew. Thanks so much!”
    • “Oh, duh! Lol thanks for the correction 😂”
    • “Yay! Thank you for doing that!”
  2. If someone is making fun of you with an ironic use of “FTFY,” it’s totally fair game to respond sardonically or flip it right back on them. Just remember to keep things playful! [8]
    • “Gee, you’re sooooooo helpful 😑🙄”
    • “I bet you’re fun at parties.”
    • “Only a Leo would say this!”
  3. If someone's “FTFY” crosses the line from funny to offensive, it’s best not to egg them on. Don’t reply and delete or report the comment.
  4. If someone is using “FTFY” to tell you they’ve finished proofreading your document or corrected an error on your website, let them know you’ve received their update. Keep it quick and simple. [9]
    • “Got it. Thanks!”
    • “Received!”
    • “Just got these! 👍”
    5. Advertisement
Section 4 of 4:

Alternative Definitions for “FTFY”

PDF download Download Article
  1. While you’re much more likely to see “FTFY” as an abbreviation for “fixed that for you” online, it may have an entirely different definition in an academic context. Certain universities use “FTFY” as an initialism for freshmen and first-year students that are enrolled full-time. [10]
    • “FTFY” may also mean “first-time, first-year” to describe the same group of students, depending on the school. [11]
  2. In rare instances, some people may comment “FTFY” as an abbreviation for “f*ck this, f*ck you.” While it’s best not to engage if “FTFY” is used in this way, the term can be used to curse someone out. [12]
    3. Advertisement


Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Prank Someone over Text
      Virtual Truth or Dare Questions to Keep Things Interesting
      10 Ways to Keep a Girl Interested over Text
      How to
      Make a Guy Horny over Text
      The Best Messages to Send that’ll Make Him Smile
      105 Funny, Witty, & Random Things to Text Your Friends
      How to
      Respond to a "How Was Your Day?" Text
      How to
      Make a Girl's Hormones Rise over Text
      13 Things to Do When a Girl Doesn't Reply to Your Texts
      55+ Cute, Flirty, & Romantic “Can't Wait to See You” Messages
      How to
      Text a Girl for the First Time
      "Message Blocking is Active:" What to Do if You Can't Send Texts
      How to
      Talk to a Girl by Texting
      How to
      Reply to a Dirty Text from a Guy
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://kb.iu.edu/d/adkc
      2. ↑ https://www.honorsociety.org/articles/reddit-lingo-formatting-norms-it-legit
      3. ↑ https://slang.net/meaning/ftfy
      4. ↑ https://www.computerhope.com/jargon/f/ftfy.htm
      5. ↑ https://www.how2pc.com/ftfy-meaning/
      6. ↑ https://knowyourmeme.com/memes/fixed-that-for-you-ftfy
      7. ↑ https://www.computerhope.com/jargon/f/ftfy.htm
      8. ↑ https://slang.net/meaning/ftfy
      9. ↑ https://kb.iu.edu/d/adkc
      1. ↑ https://www.fredonia.edu/about/offices/institutional-research-assessment/right-to-know
      2. ↑ https://www.bgsu.edu/institutional-research/GlossaryOfTerms.html
      3. ↑ http://acronymsandslang.com/meaning-of/chat-and-sub-cultures/FTFY.html

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 22,658 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement