OOF

What Does OOF Mean?

OOF is an exclamation of pain, dismay, or surprise. As an abbreviation, OOF means "Out of Office" and "Out of Focus."

Here is more information about each of these definitions of OOF, with examples of use.

Exclamation of Pain, Dismay, or Surprise

OOF (or "OOPH") is often used as an interjection, to represent the sound of someone having the air knocked out of them, either literally or figuratively. OOF is synonymous with "Ow," "Ouch" or terms such as "Really?" For example:
  • OOF! That hurt!
  • OOF! That's a tough decision!
  • OOF! Did she really say that?!
OOF is widely used in the online gaming world with the meaning "I'm dead." It derives from the game Roblox, where it is the sound made when a Robloxian dies. Here's a look at the many uses of the Roblox OOF Memes:

Out of Office

The abbreviation OOF is typically seen in automated email replies, with the meaning "Out of Office" (or "Out of Facility"). In this context, OOF is a notification that the recipient of a message is absent and unable to reply at that moment.

Out Of Focus

In photography and in general chat about photographs, OOF is often used with the meaning "Out Of Focus."

Video Summarizing OOF

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

Image for OOF

When I write OOF, I mean this: meaning of OOF OOF also means "Out of Focus."

Summary of Key Points

First definition of OOF

OOF is often used as an exclamation of pain or surprise, especially in online gaming.
OOF
Definition:Slang Word
Type:Abbreviation
Guessability:
2: Quite easy to guess
Typical Users:
Adults and Teenagers

Second definition of OOF

"Out of Office" is the most common definition for OOF in a business context.
OOF
Definition:Out of Office
Type:Abbreviation
Guessability:
2: Quite easy to guess
Typical Users:
Adults

Third definition of OOF

"Out of Focus" is the most common definition for OOF in photography.
OOF
Definition:Out of Focus
Type:Abbreviation
Guessability:
2: Quite easy to guess
Typical Users:
Adults

More...

Examples of OOF in Sentences

Here are examples of OOF being used in conversations:
  • Gilly: Did you get hold of Tina this morning?
  • Oscar: I emailed, but just got her OOF reply.
    • (Here OOF means "Out Of Office.")
  • Reg: How was your date?
  • Anna: OOF! What a night!
    • (Here, OOF is an exclamation used to express pain or dismay.)

An Academic Look at OOF

When used with the meanings "Out Of Focus" and "Out Of Office," OOF is an initialism abbreviation. Technically, this means it is pronounced using its individual letters (i.e., Oh Oh Eff). However, it is not often spoken using its letters. The abbreviation OOF is typically used for efficiency in writing and not efficiency in speech.

When used as an interjection, OOF is an onomatopoeic word, as it imitates the sound it describes (i.e., "Ow" or "Ouch"). An interjection is a word added to a sentence to convey an emotion or a sentiment such as surprise, pain or dismay.

Example of OOF Used in a Text

OOF

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See Also

Saying I Love You Text-Speak using Numbers AFC (Away From Computer) AFK (Away From Keyboard) AFP (Away From Phone) BURNED (hurt or insulted) BURNT (hurt or insulted) TAFW (Time Away From Work) UFFF (exclamation of sympathy, annoyance or surprise)