RTFM

What Does RTFM Mean in a Text?

The Quick Answer

RTFM means "Read the F**king Manual."

More Observations...

The abbreviation RTFM is an infuriated response to someone asking an unnecessary question. It suggests that if the asker looked properly, they could find the answer themselves. RTFM probably has its origins in the military lingo used during World War 2, when it meant "Read The Field Manual." It was often used as a response to questions from new recruits. Although rare, RTFM can also be used to reprimand someone after they have done a bad job. (In this meaning, however, the term RTFI (Read The F**king Instructions) is more common.)

Image for RTFM

When I write RTFM, I mean this:

RTFM means you will find the information you need if you look for it.

Summary of Key Points

We have summarized the key points in the table below:

RTFM
Definition:	Read the F**king Manual
Type:	Abbreviation
Guessability:	2: Quite easy to guess
Typical Users:	Adults and Teenagers

Examples of RTFM in Sentences

Here are examples of RTFM in conversations:

Ewan: How do I set the burglar alarm?
Fred: RTFM.

David: If you're not supposed to eat at night, why is there a light bulb in the refrigerator? And how do you change the bulb?
Matt: You can't be serious. RTFM.

An Academic Look at RTFM

RTFM is an initialism abbreviation. Technically, this means it is pronounced using its individual letters (i.e., Arr Tee Eff Em), but as this is harder to say than "Read the f***ing manual," it is not often uttered using its letters. In other words, the abbreviation RTFM is for efficiency in writing and not efficiency in speech. RTFM is typically used as an imperative (i.e., an order) and can stand alone as a complete sentence.