Human communication is all about sharing experiences. Whether it’s a 1200-page novel or a social media post about your morning iced coffee, all we want to do is connect over the common details of our day. Wouldn’t it be nice if there was a quicker and more effective way to do it — say, a way that only consisted of three magic letters?
TFW: That Feeling When
TFW stands for “That Feeling When,” and it’s a way to get right to the point of a relatable (usually embarrassing or painful) moment. It’s often used in texting, social media comments and captions, and message board replies.
TFW is more popular than the similar MFW ("My Face When"), which usually accompanies a picture of someone making an exaggerated face. But unlike MFW, TFW can stand alone with its own micro-story, just waiting for someone to relate to it.
A Helpful Summary
Use TFW to summarize these cumbersome phrases that we’ve certainly outgrown:
You know the feeling when …
Have you ever felt …
Has anyone ever experienced …
If you’ve ever felt …
When To Use TFW
Even in the 21st century, there are many universal experiences that cross cultures, generations and social classes. Stubbing your toe feels the same in every language, for example; so does getting ghosted by a first date or being embarrassed in front of a group of people.
Other examples of TFW moments may include:
TFW you get to the job interview and forgot the interviewer’s name
TFW your gf is running late to the restaurant but you really want to eat
TFW you remember you left your purse at the airport right when the plane is taking off
TFW you have a hangnail and then you peel a juicy orange
TFW you’re staring at your crush and they randomly look at you, so you pretend you were looking at something next to them
It Can Also Mean
While “That Feeling When” is the most common usage of TFW, it may also stand for:
That Feel When (similar to “all the feels”)
That Face When
Thanks For Watching (after an online video)
The F****** Worst
Totally F****** Weird
It all depends on where you’re posting your TFW. On social media platforms, it’s safe to assume that it’s describing a shared feeling, but “feeling” may become a very different “f” word when posting to more off-color sites and boards. Either way, it’s a very frank way to explain exactly what you mean in the moment.
Texting In Context
For more guides on modern communication, check out: