abbreviation
tf
tee-EFF
Tf (abbreviation) means Short for 'the fuck', used in messages and speech to add force or disbelief to a question or exclamation. Example: “tf is going on in this group chat”
abbreviation
1
vulgar slang Short for 'the fuck', used in messages and speech to add force or disbelief to a question or exclamation.
"tf is going on in this group chat"
"I open the door and tf, the cat's on the roof"
2
vulgar slang Short for 'the fuck' as a standalone reaction meaning roughly 'what?' or 'excuse me?'.
"He charged you ninety quid for that? tf."
"tf did you just say to her"
3
informal In fandom and gaming contexts, short for transformation, or for the game Team Fortress.
"The thread is tagged tf art."
"We queued for TF2 all evening."
How to use tf
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishText shorthand for 'the fuck', used to show shock or annoyance.
When to use it
Vulgar and informal; almost always lowercase in messages.
Memory tip
Because the f stands for a swear word, tf carries the same offensiveness as saying it aloud.
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
tf is this
who tf
tf you mean
tf are you doing
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_____ is going on in this group chat
Etymology
An initialism of 'the fuck', clipped from 'what the fuck'.
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between tf and wtf?
Wtf is 'what the fuck' and works as a complete reaction on its own. Tf is just 'the fuck' and normally sits inside a sentence in place of the fuller phrase, as in 'tf are you doing' or 'who tf is that'.
Is tf rude?
Yes. It stands in for a swear word, so it is fine between friends in casual messages but not appropriate at work, in school assignments or in anything formal.
What is the meaning of tf?
"tf" (abbreviation) means short for 'the fuck', used in messages and speech to add force or disbelief to a question or exclamation.
What is another word for tf?
Other words for "tf" include wtf, the hell, the heck.
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