English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology

interjection

STFU

ess-tee-eff-YOO

STFU (interjection) means an abbreviation of "shut the fuck up", used online and in text messages to tell someone forcefully to stop talking. Example: “STFU, nobody asked for your opinion.”

interjection

1

vulgar slang An abbreviation of "shut the fuck up", used online and in text messages to tell someone forcefully to stop talking.

"STFU, nobody asked for your opinion."

"He wouldn't stop spamming the group chat until three people told him to STFU."

2

vulgar slang An expression of disbelief or delighted shock at surprising news, roughly equivalent to "no way" or "you're kidding".

"STFU, you actually got the job?"

How to Use STFU

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA rude way of telling someone to be quiet.

When to use it

Vulgar. Fine in casual chat between friends, never appropriate in professional writing.

Memory tip

Because it hides the swear word behind letters, STFU feels milder than the full phrase — but it is still an insult, and people will read it that way.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

GTFO SMH → TFW →

Common pairings

just STFU tell someone to STFU STFU and listen

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Test yourself on “STFU” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

_____, nobody asked for your opinion.

Etymology

An initialism of "shut the fuck up", from internet and text-message shorthand.

Origin: English

Synonyms

shut up be quiet pipe down zip it no way get out

Related Words

really still leave kill wow lock nope nah

Rhymes for STFU

CTFU

See all rhymes for STFU →

Frequently Asked Questions

What does STFU stand for?

It stands for "shut the fuck up". It is written far more often than it is spoken aloud, and when it is spoken people usually say the letters individually rather than the full phrase.

Is STFU always aggressive?

Not always. Between friends it is often jokey, and the second sense — reacting to surprising news — carries no hostility at all. Tone depends heavily on the relationship; to a stranger or a colleague it reads as a genuine insult.

What is the difference between STFU and GTFO?

STFU tells someone to stop talking; GTFO ("get the fuck out") tells them to leave. Both can also be used as expressions of disbelief, but GTFO leans more towards "I don't believe you" while STFU leans towards "I'm stunned".

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial · etymology from FreeDict original editorial