What does TFW mean?
That Feeling When
Detailed Explanation
TFW is an acronym for 'That Feeling When.' It's used to introduce a relatable, often specific, emotional situation. It's typically followed by a description of that situation and accompanied by an image, GIF, or video that captures the associated emotion. It is a foundational meme format.
Usage Examples
“TFW you finally get home and can take off your shoes.”
“TFW your online order finally arrives.”
“TFW you study all night and the test is on a completely different topic.”
Origin & History
The phrase originated in the early 2010s on fitness and bodybuilding forums as 'That feel when...' It was adopted by meme culture, particularly on sites like 4chan, where it evolved into the 'TFW' acronym and became a popular format for expressing a wide range of emotions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between TFW and MFW?
They are very similar. TFW ('That Feeling When') describes a general, relatable feeling. MFW ('My Face When') is more specific and is always paired with a reaction image of a face that is meant to be the user's own reaction.