abbreviation
AFK
ay-eff-KAY
AFK (abbreviation) means Away from the keyboard; used in chat, gaming and messaging to say that you are stepping away and will not respond for a while. Example: “afk for five minutes, grabbing food.”
abbreviation
1
informal, internet Away from the keyboard; used in chat, gaming and messaging to say that you are stepping away and will not respond for a while.
"afk for five minutes, grabbing food."
"She went AFK in the middle of the raid and the team wiped."
adjective
1
informal, internet Not currently at a computer or device, and so unavailable online.
"He has been AFK all afternoon."
"The bot kicks any player who stays AFK for ten minutes."
How to use AFK
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishIt means you have stepped away from your computer.
When to use it
Chat and gaming shorthand; avoid it in formal writing, where 'away from my desk' is better.
Memory tip
AFK works as a whole phrase on its own: you can simply type 'afk' with no verb around it.
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
go AFK
AFK for a minute
AFK timer
AFK farming
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_____ for five minutes, grabbing food.
Etymology
An initialism of away from keyboard.
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does AFK mean?
AFK stands for 'away from keyboard'. It tells other people in a chat, game or call that you are leaving your device for a short time and will not reply straight away.
What is the difference between AFK and BRB?
BRB ('be right back') promises a quick return, while AFK simply states that you are not at your device and says nothing about how long you will be gone. In games, AFK is also used as a label for an idle player, which BRB is not.
Is AFK written in capitals?
Both forms are accepted. Lower-case 'afk' is normal inside casual chat, while capitals are more usual in written prose, headings and game interfaces.
What is the meaning of AFK?
"AFK" (abbreviation) means away from the keyboard; used in chat, gaming and messaging to say that you are stepping away and will not respond for a while.
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