What is AFK’s meaning? The history behind the internet acronym and and how to use it in a chat

desktop computer work from home taking a break
AFK is a common acronym used to tell others when you’re offline.

  • AFK means “away from keyboard” in typing shorthand.
  • Its meaning can be literal or it can simply indicate that you aren’t online.
  • AFK is a helpful phrase for communal online spaces, when you want a quick way to communicate that you’re stepping away.
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One such acronym is AFK. Here’s what you need to know to understand and use this acronym in your own online life.

AFK’s meaning


AFK’s origin


It even dates back to an online news bulletin from FidoNews in 1989, alongside other emoticons and abbreviations. The newsletter defined AFK as “away from keys.”

It was later commonly used in the gaming community for online multiplayer games. You can still find it in various spaces on the internet, though it isn’t as widespread as it once was.

The acronym has had a bit of a resurgence, thanks to the game “Among Us,” in which idle players are often labeled as AFK.

Examples of how to use AFK


For example, if you’re taking a quick break, you might type “going afk brb” (read as: “going away from keyboard, be right back”).

Or if a friend is wondering where another person in the group is, you might type “she’s afk” to quickly let them know that person isn’t online.

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