- Afk is short for keyboard.
- This lets people know that you won’t be sitting at the keyboard for a while or you won’t be online for a while.
Whether you’re chatting or playing an MMO, afk tells your friends that you are moving away from the keyboard.
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The Meaning of Afk
Afk means “away from the keyboard,” a phrase that makes it clear to others that you will not be at the computer for a while. It is usually used in conjunction with another abbreviation, brb (will be back soon) to indicate that you are taking a short break.
The term afk originated in the 1990s when IRC was at its peak as chat etiquette. It was later adopted by the gaming community, especially in MMOs (Massively Multiplayer Online Games).
How to Use Afk
Afk is a slang word on the Internet and is therefore best avoided in formal conversations. Moreover, it is often used in workplaces where a less formal atmosphere reigns, since this expression is purely informational in nature. You can write afk in upper and lower case.
Examples
- I’m leaving, my dinner is ready.
- Did he go astray in the middle of the raid?
- I’ll be thrilled until the exam season is over.