In this article, we will go over what is TFW meaning, which is an internet acronym you’ll frequently come across on social networks and in internet memes. But what is TFW meaning, where did the term originate, and how do you utilize it?
What is TFW meaning?
TFW meaning is “that feeling when.” This term is often accompanied by a humorous or emotive picture, and it’s used to offer emotional context or commentary to an event.
In some ways, TFW resembles a meme like “sus,” rather than an actual acronym you would use in a sentence. It generally follows a specific structure, with sentences beginning with TFW usually accompanied by an emotional photo. This sentence may be relevant to your life, such as “TFW your bathroom floods,” or it might be just for fun, such as “TFW your friends also know about Pennywise the clown.”

This is not to say that TFW always follows a strict meme format. When read alone, “TFW” implies that the content or message contains an emotional context. As a result, it’s conceivable for TFW to stand on its own and convey meaning without being followed by a picture or text messages.
In certain situations, you may respond to a ridiculous or abusive Facebook post with a simple “TFW.” People who understand TFW will understand you’re referring to “this stuff is completely bonkers!” Similarly, you could respond to an unexpected communication from an ex with “TFW,” or react to an amusing picture with “TFW.”
Origins of TFW
Some people claim that TFW meaning is “that face when.” They may have a point. In 2009, people on the 4chan music board began saying “MFW,” or “my face when,” for a meme implying that someone was about to drop dead. MFW, strangely enough, was used in the same way as TFW is today. People would upload a funny picture of a person with the caption “MFW people call chess a sport.”
Around the same era, the term “feel” became popular as slang meaning “feeling.” The meme “I know that feel bro” began to spread across social media, and the “Feels Guy” reaction image became a popular part of the internet and nerd culture.

The Feels Guy meme was similarly utilized as a means to react to emotional circumstances, with similar results. While the MFW meme was frequently used to express nausea or astonishment, the Feels Guy meme was utilized to convey sentiments of mortification, guilt, sorrow, or emasculation.
Clearly, in 2010 or 2011, when TFW was first properly defined in Urban Dictionary, these two similar concepts combined to form TFW; that’s when the term was first fully defined. Although the grammatical usage of TFW hasn’t altered significantly since then, the word has evolved considerably. It’s a nice acronym for expressing feelings on the internet, which is notorious for its emotional opacity.
How to use TFW?
Readers will look for emotional context if you begin a sentence with TFW. You might say “TFW there’s no bologna in the fridge,” or “TFW you’re almost home and the low fuel light comes on.” People will try to extract emotional significance from the text, regardless of how it’s phrased.

While the phrase can be used on its own, TFW is most effective when paired with a photo or GIF. It’s possible to use any photograph, but it’s preferable to utilize photos of emotive faces. The more emotion there is in the picture, the easier it is for others to determine the correct emotional context from your usage of TFW.
What is OFC meaning and how to use it?
As previously said, TFW can also be used without any accompanying text or photographs. Just make sure the context for the situation is apparent. We hope that you enjoyed this article on what is TFW meaning and how to use it, and now can use it properly if the situation you are in requires it. You can check out our other guides on internet slang and acronyms too.