AFK

What Does AFK Mean in a Text?

Gaming Slang for Newbies

If you're new to gaming, then there is more to learn than just a game's moves and strategy. Gamers should also be familiar with gaming slang, which has around 200 terms in common usage, many of which are difficult for new players to guess. But, you should persevere. Understanding gaming jargon improves collaboration by helping gamers to convey complex strategies, emotions, and actions quickly. Here is the term you care about:

AFK means "Away From Keyboard."

More Observations...

The abbreviation AFK is used to indicate that the sender is temporarily absent and is unable to respond to messages or participate in a game. AFK is most commonly used in multi-player games, when it indicates that the player is away even though their character is still onscreen. For example:

• Toni: Where were you? We were slaughtered.
• Jo: I told you I was AFK.

• Les: Sam, you take out the sniper.
• Ali: Sam is AFK. I'll do it.

A Video Summary

Here's a short video explaining this entry on AFK. It also covers BAK (Back at Keyboard) We're working hard to create more video summaries on new terms as they arise. Please follow us on Youtube.

Image for AFK

When I write AFK, I mean this:

AFK indicates a temporary absence.

Summary of Key Points

"Away from Keyboard" is, by far, the most common meaning for AFK when it is used in a text. (Bear in mind that it could have another meaning if used in a different context.)

AFK
Definition:	Away from Keyboard
Type:	Abbreviation
Guessability:	3: Guessable
Typical Users:	Adults and Teenagers

An Academic Look at AFK

Technically, AFK is an adverb of place, but it most often used like a standalone declarative sentence (i.e., a statement), which translates best as "I am away from the keyboard." AFK is an initialism abbreviation. This means it is pronounced using its individual letters (Ay Eff Kay). Initialisms contrast with acronyms, which are spoken like words.

Example of AFK Used in a Text

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