TIFU

What Does TIFU Mean in a Text?

TIFU means "Today I F*cked Up."

The acronym TIFU is used with the meaning "Today I F*cked Up," as an admission that the sender has done something wrong or made a mess of something (i.e., made a mistake).

TIFU is a particularly popular abbreviation on Reddit, where there is an entire subreddit, in which members share their (occasionally funny) experiences.

Image for TIFU

When I write TIFU, I mean this:

meaning of TIFU

TIFU could be Homer's catchphrase.

Summary of Key Points

"Today I F*cked Up" is the most common definition for TIFU on Snapchat, WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.
TIFU
Definition:Today I F*cked Up
Type:Acronym
Guessability:guessability level 3

3: Guessable

Typical Users:typical user

Adults and Teenagers

Examples of TIFU in Sentences

Here are examples of TIFU being used in sentences:
  • TIFU. I dropped the recycling into the container, together with my cell phone and house keys. I had to wait three hours for the guys to get them out.
  • TIFU. I mixed up my boss' number with yours and now he thinks I want to sleep with him.

An Academic Look at TIFU

TIFU is an acronym (i.e., an abbreviation spoken like a word). Acronyms differ from initialism abbreviations, which are pronounced using their individual letters.

What Did We Say before Texting and Social Media?

Before the digital era, we would have just said "Today I f*cked up" or something like "Today I screwed up," instead of using TIFU. 

Example of TIFU Used in a Text

Using TIFU on a Cell Phone (SMS Texts, Whatsapp, and Reddit)

TIFU
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