What Does CTFU Stand For? Definition, Uses & More

PDF download Download Article
Have a laugh using CTFU over text, X, TikTok, and more
PDF download Download Article

If you’re scratching your head after someone sent you a text with the abbreviation “CTFU,” then you’ve come to the right place! CTFU most commonly means “Cracking the f*ck up” online and in text messages; it’s a shorthand way to say that you’re laughing really hard. There are a few different ways to incorporate this acronym into your texting slang vocabulary, so read on for a comprehensive overview of CTFU—complete with alternate definitions and examples of how to use it.

Things You Should Know

  • CTFU means “Crack(ing) the f*ck up,” and it’s mainly used to express laughter after hearing or seeing something really funny.
  • Use CTFU to react to a joke or funny video that someone sends you. Alternatively, use CTFU when you want to share a silly joke or story with someone else.
  • CTFU is synonymous with LOL ("laughing out loud") and ROFL ("rolling on the floor laughing"). Try using CTFU instead of these older acronyms.
Section 1 of 5:

What does CTFU mean?

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c9\/Ctfu-Meaning-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Ctfu-Meaning-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c9\/Ctfu-Meaning-Step-1.jpg\/v4-728px-Ctfu-Meaning-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Since “Cracking up” means that you’re laughing (presumably after seeing or hearing something funny), the full phrase “Cracking the f*ck up” expresses laughter and emphasizes that you’re laughing particularly hard or find something very amusing. It’s most commonly used over text and online platforms like Snapchat, TikTok, and Instagram. [1]
    • “That TikTok you sent me was so funny I’m ctfu!! 🤣”
    • “CTFU, my baby niece just threw her cake all over the room! 🍰”
    • CTFU can also be read as “crack the f*ck up,” which means the same thing—it’s just a different way of saying the phrase.
    2. Advertisement
Section 2 of 5:

Using CTFU

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/93\/Ctfu-Meaning-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Ctfu-Meaning-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/93\/Ctfu-Meaning-Step-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Ctfu-Meaning-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    When you want someone to know that whatever they messaged you was super funny and made you laugh, send them CTFU in response. Since it means “Cracking the f*ck up,” sending this acronym to someone (or writing it as a comment on a social media post) makes it pretty clear that they tickled your funny bone! [2]
    • “Looove the pics you posted! CTFU! 🤣”
    • “OMG please send more pics of your fur baby as soon as possible, I’m ctfu!”
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/5b\/Ctfu-Meaning-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Ctfu-Meaning-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/5b\/Ctfu-Meaning-Step-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Ctfu-Meaning-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you come across something hilarious like a video or meme or just have a silly story to share, send it to a friend and pair it with CTFU. That way, they can see right off the bat that whatever you sent them is intended to make them laugh (and it’s already making you laugh). [3] For example:
    • “CTFU, my cat just stole a whole chicken nugget!! Sending a pic now 🐈‍⬛”
    • “This video is making me CTFU! Check it out 😂”
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b9\/Ctfu-Meaning-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Ctfu-Meaning-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b9\/Ctfu-Meaning-Step-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Ctfu-Meaning-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    CTFU is synonymous with LOL ("laughing out loud") and ROFL ("rolling on the floor laughing"). All 3 acronyms are used to express laughter—so if you feel like updating your text slang and using a newer term, try replacing some of those LOLs and ROFLs with CTFU.
    • Them: “LOL'd so hard when I saw this meme!!”
      You: “I’m CTFU that’s hilarious! 😆”
    4. Advertisement
Section 3 of 5:

Responding to CTFU

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/27\/Ctfu-Meaning-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Ctfu-Meaning-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/27\/Ctfu-Meaning-Step-5.jpg\/v4-728px-Ctfu-Meaning-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If someone responds to a joke you sent them with CTFU, that means they found it super funny. You might agree with them to show that you share their amusement or simply bring something else up if the joke is over. Decide whether you have anything else to add or you want to talk about something different!
    • Them: “CTFU, this is amazing!”
      You: “I know, right?? 🤣 BTW, did you see the pic I sent the other day…?”
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f8\/Ctfu-Meaning-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Ctfu-Meaning-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f8\/Ctfu-Meaning-Step-6.jpg\/v4-728px-Ctfu-Meaning-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    When someone sends you a joke or funny video and adds CTFU to the message, you might echo them and send CTFU in response to show them that you’re laughing too. Alternatively, you could reply with a laughing GIF or emoji (like 🤣 or 😂). Anything that expresses laughter is fair game!
    • Them: “CTFU, this video is gold. I haven’t seen such a goofy-looking dog in a long time!”
      You: “OMG!! I’m also ctfu, this pup is too cute and silly! 🐶”
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/52\/Ctfu-Meaning-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Ctfu-Meaning-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/52\/Ctfu-Meaning-Step-7.jpg\/v4-728px-Ctfu-Meaning-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you notice a friend, acquaintance, or loved one start incorporating CTFU in their social media posts and texts, you’re free to do the same! CTFU is definitely a more recent and trendy term compared to LOL and ROFL—although there’s nothing wrong with continuing to use the classics if you prefer.
    • Them: “My girlfriend is so unhinged in these pics, I’m ctfu!!”
      You: “Ctfu, exactly how much caffeine did she drink today? 🤣”
    4. Advertisement
Section 4 of 5:

Is CTFU a casual or formal acronym?

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/1c\/Ctfu-Meaning-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Ctfu-Meaning-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/1c\/Ctfu-Meaning-Step-8.jpg\/v4-728px-Ctfu-Meaning-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It’s inappropriate to use CTFU in formal or professional messages, not only because it has a swear word in it, but also because it’s considered texting slang. In a setting where spelling and grammar are important—particularly when you’re messaging a coworker, boss, or professional acquaintance—it’s a good idea to stick to full words (and clean language) rather than using abbreviations.
    • For example, it’s typically inappropriate to use CTFU in emails to clients or in Instagram posts for an official brand or business account.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c9\/Ctfu-Meaning-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Ctfu-Meaning-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c9\/Ctfu-Meaning-Step-9.jpg\/v4-728px-Ctfu-Meaning-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Use your best judgment: if the friend you’re messaging doesn’t swear and feels uncomfortable when they see swear words, it’s not a good idea to use CTFU around them. However, if they have no problem when other people swear (even if they don’t), then it’s fine to use CTFU while texting them.
    • It may also be better to avoid CTFU when messaging someone who doesn’t really use text abbreviations or slang altogether since there’s a chance they won’t know what you mean.
    3. Advertisement
Section 5 of 5:

Other Meanings of CTFU

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/0f\/Ctfu-Meaning-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-Ctfu-Meaning-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/0f\/Ctfu-Meaning-Step-10.jpg\/v4-728px-Ctfu-Meaning-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Although “Cracking the f*ck up” is the most common meaning for CTFU, you might sometimes see people use it to say “Cheer the f*ck up.” This version of CTFU is used to affectionately chide someone who seems down in the dumps or dejected over something. It’s the same as saying, “Cheer up,” with the swear word adding extra emphasis. [4]
    • “Hey, is something up? CTFU!”
    • “Dude, CTFU! You’ve been a grump all day!”
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e3\/Ctfu-Meaning-Step-11.jpg\/v4-460px-Ctfu-Meaning-Step-11.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e3\/Ctfu-Meaning-Step-11.jpg\/v4-728px-Ctfu-Meaning-Step-11.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Sometimes CTFU is used to say “Cut the f*ck up,” which refers to letting loose, dancing, shaking, or going wild while partying. You might see someone say they’re going to “CTFU at the party,” for example, meaning they’re going to go nuts and have a good time when they arrive.
    • “This song is 🔥🔥🔥 I’m gonna CTFU!!”
    • “I can’t wait for the concert tonight, we’re gonna CTFU in the pit!”
    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
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      Virtual Truth or Dare Questions to Keep Things Interesting
      How to
      Respond to a "How Was Your Day?" Text
      How to Reply to “What Are You Doing?” over Text: Creative Answers to Sound Fun & Flirty
      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
      11 Texts to Tell a Girl She's Beautiful
      How to
      Talk to a Girl by Texting
      How to
      Prank Someone over Text
      12 Ways to Make Him Miss You Like Crazy over Text (with Examples)
      13 Things to Do When a Girl Doesn't Reply to Your Texts
      How to
      Make a Girl's Hormones Rise over Text
      "Message Blocking is Active:" What to Do if You Can't Send Texts
      How to
      Respond to an "I Miss You" Text
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.noslang.com/search/ctfu
      2. ↑ https://www.noslang.com/search/ctfu
      3. ↑ https://slangdefinition.com/ctfu-meaning/
      4. ↑ https://www.internetslang.com/CTFU-meaning-definition.asp

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 2,006 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement