FTW

What Does FTW Mean?

The abbreviation FTW is widely used with the meaning "For the Win." It is also sometimes used to mean "F*ck the World." Here is more information about each of these definitions of FTW.

For The Win

FTW It is typically used with the meaning "For The Win" as an expression of excitement, to add emphasis to the end of a comment or message.

The phrase "For The Win" is thought to have originated on the television game show Hollywood Squares. On the show, contestants would choose their final winning move by saying something like "I'll take David Hasselhoff for the win!".

In gaming, FTW is often used when a player is about to achieve or has achieved some sort of success, such as winning a game, killing or wounding an opponent, or completing a complex task. For example:

• Sam: You got me in the back! That's not fair!
• Ali: All's fair in love, war, and gaming! FTW!

F*ck the World

When used to mean "F*ck the World," FTW is typically used as an expression of disenchantment with life in general or with a particular situation. For example:

• Lee: Why such a long face?
• Ali: In the space of a week, I've been dumped, sacked, and evicted from my apartment. FTW!

• Toni: Steph is sick with Covid. You have to work on Saturday.
• Jed: But, I have tickets for the game! FTW!

• Ash: The whole world knows that the risks of Covid are far worse than the risks of the vaccine.
• Jed: FTW! Covid is a conspiracy led by Bill gates and Warren Buffet!

Video Summarizing FTW

Here's a short video explaining how to use FTW:

Image for FTW

When I write FTW, I mean this:

FTW also means "F*ck the World."

Summary of Key Points

First Definition of FTW

"For the Win" is the most common definition for FTW in gaming related communications on apps such as Discord, TeamSpeak and Telegram, as well as on Snapchat, WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

FTW
Definition:	For the Win
Type:	Abbreviation
Guessability:	3: Guessable
Typical Users:	Adults and Teenagers

Second Definition of FTW

"F*ck the World" is another definition of FTW.

FTW
Definition:	F*ck the World
Type:	Abbreviation
Guessability:	3: Guessable
Typical Users:	Adults and Teenagers

An Academic Look at FTW

As it is pronounced using its individual letters (i.e., "Eff Tee DoubleYoo"), FTW is classified as an initialism abbreviation. Initialisms are different to acronyms, which are spoken like words.

Example of FTW Used in a Text

Quiz

Try our fun quiz to test your knowledge of slang and texting abbreviations. Show Instructions