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If you’re a frequent Discord user or online gamer, you’ve probably seen the term “LF” pop up a lot. The meaning of this term is simple, but because it’s used in several other abbreviations like “LFG” and “LFP,” it can get confusing. Don’t worry. In this article, we’ll break down “LF” in the context of Discord (as well as a few other industries) to help you understand it. By the time you’re finished, you’ll be able to use and reply to “LF” any time, any server!
Things You Should Know
- “LF” is a shorthand for “looking for” when it’s used on Discord and other online gaming servers. Players say “LF” when looking for games to join or specific items.
- “LF” is usually the first part of other acronyms like “LFG” (looking for group/looking for game), “LFP” (looking for players), or “LF1M” (looking for 1 more player).
- “LF” means “left field” in baseball and “lightface” in printing. It also has other definitions in more niche industries like metallurgy and microbiology.
Steps
“LF” Meaning
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“LF” means “looking for.” On Discord and other multiplayer gaming servers, “LF” is a shorthand for “looking for.” When someone says “LF” in a general chat or text conversation, they’re telling you that they’re trying to find someone or something, like a game ( “LFG” ), one more extra player (“LF1M”), or a party/group of players (“LFP”). [1] X Research source
Using “LF”
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1Message “LFG” if you’re looking for a group to game with. If you’ve just logged onto Discord and are itching to find a good multiplayer game, text “LFG” to help you find a group or gaming party. Discord even has a server dedicated to “LFG!”
- “LFG fighting, no items, quick match”
- “LFG other novice players, medium difficulty”
- “LFG general mod. I have 150 loot to share!”
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2Text “LFP” if you’re trying to build a party. If you’re trying to build a gaming party or team to tackle a specific level, send “LFP” to find players to join you. Specify the game type and skills or items they might need to ensure your team is stacked. [2] X Research source
- “LFP to beat the level 8 boss”
- “LFP make sure you’re fully rested and have at least 3 healing potions ready”
- “LFP elves and mages; we already have a thief and close-combat warrior”
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3Send “LF1M” if you need just one extra person. Unlike “LFP” which means you’re searching for multiple players to join, use “LF1M” if you have just one extra slot open for a party or level. Some people may also message “LF1P” (looking for 1 player) which means the same thing. [3] X Research source
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4When trading, type “LF” and specify what you want. If you’re in a Discord server for a game like Pokemon or Animal Crossing, where you trade items regularly , use “LF” before saying what specific items you’re looking for. This will help let others know how they can help you and prevent wasted time.
- “LF all shiny Pokemon. Willing to trade master balls!”
- “LF any water-types, ideally level 45 or higher”
- “LF apples for my island. I’ll pay twice Tom Nook’s going rate!”
Replying to “LF”
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1Invite someone to join your game if you see “LFG.” When a friend or worthy gamer messages your chat an “LFG,” message their profile and invite them into whatever multiplayer game you’re about to play. Make sure to include your Gamertag or any other necessary information, depending on the specific game, console, and skills required.
- Stay safe when messaging people you don’t know. Don’t give out any personal information and, if their texts seem cryptic, block them.
- Someone may also comment “LFG” as an abbreviation for “let’s freaking go!” If their tone feels more supportive than inquisitive, you can share their enthusiasm by typing “LFG” yourself.
- “We’re wrapping up a team battle right now. Message me!”
- “Perfect. LFP for a raid. Do you have the expansion pack?”
- “If you’re level 9+, join our group!”
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2Join a killer gaming party if someone texts you “LFP” or “LF1M.” When someone sends out a “LFP” or “LF1M” message, that means they’ve already got the game planned. Talk to them to see if the game they’re playing is up your alley and join if it sounds fun. Joining gaming parties is a great way to meet new people through the server!
- “I’m down! What console?”
- “Sweet. Link me and let’s kick some butt!”
- “Cool. Requesting now. Do I need any armor or spells?”
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3Offer your best trades if “LF” is followed by specific items. If someone is using “LF” in the context of a trade, see what they’re offering and give your best counter. Who knows? You may walk away with a rare piece that will make your other gamer friends jealous.
- “I’ll give you 400 bells for the dress.”
- “I’ve got a Squirtle level 18 if you want it!”
- “That doesn’t seem like a fair trade to me. How about a rare candy instead?”
Alternate Meanings for “LF”
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1“LF” means “left field” in baseball. While “LF” is almost always an abbreviation for “looking for” on Discord, online, or over text, in baseball, its definition changes. “LF” is a shorthand for players, fans, and coaches for “left field.” Left field includes third base and other defensive fielders. [4] X Research source
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2“LF” means “lightface” in printing. “LF” is also a common abbreviation for “lightface” in the world of printing. When printing a document , typefaces and fonts with especially light or thin lines are described as “lightface” (or “LF”). [5] X Research source
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3“LF” has other industry-specific meanings. There are several other definitions for “LF,” though they are much less common outside of the specific fields they relate to. However, in certain industries “LF” could be shorthand for: [6] X Research source
- “Light front” (Physics)
- “Labor force” (Economics)
- “Lethal factor” (Microbiology)
- “Linux format” (Software)
- “Ladle furnace” (Metallurgy)
Other Common Social Media Terms
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"LF" isn't the only internet slang—there are plenty others! Are the following terms in your virtual lexicon?
- CFS : Close Friends Story on Instagram
- FFF : "follow for follow"
- Idle : a Discord status, symbolized by a yellow half-moon, indicating the user hasn't been active for at least 5 minutes
- IDM : "I don't mind"
- ISK : "I should know" or a typo for "IDK" ("I don't know")
- MCM : "man crush Monday"
- Mmk : a combination of "mmhmm" and "OK," used to express disinterest or irritation, or just as a softer, more casual version of "OK"
- MBN : "must be nice"
- OOMF : "one of my followers" or "one of my friends"
- OMW : "on my way"
- PMO : "put me on," as in, "introduce to someone/something"
- WSP : "What's up?"
- WCW : "woman crush Wednesday"
- YW : "You're welcome"