Humor Web Humor What Is AFK? What Does AFK Mean? Type AFK when you're going to be away from the keyboard and unavailable Print Web Humor Memes Holiday Humor By Paul Gil Paul Gil Technology Writer and Developer University of Alberta Northern Alberta Institute of Technology Paul Gil is a tech expert, writer, and educator known for his dynamic internet and database courses and articles. Learn about our Editorial Process Updated on 11/19/19 You might have seen AFK in multiplayer games or chat rooms and wondered what it meant. If your first thought was that it's similar to the expression AF, rest assured that it is not. AFK stands for: Away from Keyboard AFK is a common expression. AFK can be used in both uppercase and lowercase forms. Typing entire sentences in uppercase is considered rude shouting. How AFK Is Used AFK is used in live chatting to let people know that you won't respond for a few minutes because you'll be away from the computer. AFK is commonly used with a descriptor such as "afk bio" (you are going to the washroom), or "afk phone" (you are answering a phone call). Nusha Ashjaee / Lifewire Examples of AFK Example 1 User 1: Joan? Are you there? User 2: sorry was AFK talking to Chris. User 1: np, I just wanted to get your thoughts on this email I want to send to the client. Example 2 Person 1: Ermahgerd! I just had my first ever plum donut from the Polish bakery! Person 2: (no response) Person 1: Tuan, are you there? Person 2: (no response) Person 1: DUDE Person 2: sorry was afk in the bathroom. Where is this Polish bakery? Example 3 Person 1: omg, I just got a legendary drop from this quest momb! Person 2: (no response) Person 1: GUYS! Check out my new legendary! Person 2: I was afk taking the dogs out. Wow, congrats on that new pair of gloves! That's awesome! Expressions Similar to AFK The AFK expression, like other internet expressions, is part of the online conversation culture. Here are other internet expressions that mean almost the same thing as AFK: BBIAB: Be Back in a BitTTYL: Talk To You LaterCU: See You!CUL8R: See You Later! BRB: Be Right BackBRT: Be Right There How to Capitalize and Punctuate Web and Texting Abbreviations Here are a few rules to follow when writing internet abbreviations: Capitalization is a non-concern when using text message abbreviations and chat jargon: You can use all uppercase (for example, ROFL) or all lowercase (for example, rofl), and the meaning is identical. Avoid typing whole sentences in uppercase, though, as that means shouting in online speak. Proper punctuation is a non-concern with most text message abbreviations: For example, the abbreviation for 'Too Long, Didn't Read' can be abbreviated as TL;DR or as TLDR. Both are an acceptable format, with or without punctuation. Never use periods (dots) between jargon letters: It defeats the purpose of speeding up thumb typing. For example, ROFL would never be spelled as R.O.F.L., and TTYL would never be spelled as T.T.Y.L. Recommended Etiquette for Using Web and Texting Jargon Knowing when to use jargon in your messaging is about knowing your audience, knowing if the context is informal or professional, and then using good judgment. If you know the people well, and it is a personal and informal communication, then use abbreviation jargon. On the flip side, if you are starting a friendship or professional relationship with the other person, avoid abbreviations until you develop a relationship rapport. If the messaging is in a professional context with someone at work, or with a customer or vendor outside your company, avoid abbreviations. Using full word spellings shows professionalism and courtesy. It's easier to err on the side of being too professional and then relax your communications over time than doing the inverse.