WTF

What Does WTF Mean in a Text?

The Quick Answer

WTF typically means "What The F*ck?", but it can also mean "Who The F*ck?" or "Where The F*ck?".

More Detail...

As it features a strong swearword, WTF is sometimes replaced with WTH (What The Hell?). WT? (What The?), which avoids the swearword altogether, is also a common alternative for WTF. WTF is used to express surprise or shock, after receiving some news or after experiencing an event.

Image for WTF

When I write WTF, I mean this:

WTF can olso mean "Who The F*ck?" or "Where The F*ck?"

Summary of Key Points for First Definition

"What the F*ck?" is, by far, the most common meaning for WTF when it is used in a text. (Bear in mind that it could have another meaning if used in a different context.)

WTF
Definition:	What the F*ck?
Type:	Abbreviation
Guessability:	2: Quite easy to guess
Typical Users:	Adults and Teenagers

Summary of Key Points for Second Definition

"Who the F*ck?" is another common definition for WTF.

WTF
Definition:	Who the F*ck?
Type:	Abbreviation
Guessability:	2: Quite easy to guess
Typical Users:	Adults and Teenagers

Summary of Key Points for Third Definition

WTF also means "Where the F*ck?"

WTF
Definition:	Where the F*ck?
Type:	Abbreviation
Guessability:	2: Quite easy to guess
Typical Users:	Adults and Teenagers

Examples of WTF in Sentences

Here are examples of WTF in conversations:

Tony: I'm going to sack Jane if she's late.
Jordan: WTF? You can't. There are employment laws, you know?

Tony: WTF? Did you hear that bang?
Jordan: No, I live on the other side of the world.

An Academic Look at WTF

WTF is typically used an interjection. An interjection is not grammatically related to any other part of the sentence. It is included in a sentence (usually at the start) to express a sentiment such as surprise, disgust, joy, excitement, or enthusiasm. In formal writing, interjections are offset from the surrounding words with commas.