adjective
Common
NSFW
NSFW (adjective) means not safe for work: a warning that a link, image or video contains material — usually sexual, graphic or crude — that would be inappropriate to open in a workplace or public setting. Example: “He tagged the link NSFW.”
adjective
1
informal Not safe for work: a warning that a link, image or video contains material — usually sexual, graphic or crude — that would be inappropriate to open in a workplace or public setting.
"He tagged the link NSFW."
"The thread carries an NSFW warning."
How to use NSFW
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA warning that something is not appropriate to open at work.
Easily confused with
SFW
NSFL
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He tagged the link _____.
Etymology
An initialism of "not safe for work," which arose in online forums and email as a courtesy warning before opening a link.
Frequently asked questions
What does NSFW mean?
Not safe for work. It warns that the content should not be opened where colleagues or the public can see your screen — most often because it is sexual or graphic.
What is the opposite of NSFW?
SFW, safe for work, used to reassure people that a link is fine to open anywhere.
What is the meaning of NSFW?
"NSFW" (adjective) means not safe for work: a warning that a link, image or video contains material — usually sexual, graphic or crude — that would be inappropriate to open in a workplace or public setting.
How do you use NSFW in a sentence?
Example: "He tagged the link NSFW."
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