AFK Slang Meaning | What is AFK?

What is AFK? AFK Meaning Explained

Away From Keyboard — not active, not responding, gone

AFK started in gamer chat but is now just how people say “brb” or “I ghosted without warning.” If you’re not replying, not watching, or just vanishing — you’re AFK. And yes, people now use it IRL too (like saying it out loud 😭).

AFK is classic internet shorthand that’s lasted through every generation of chat. Originally from gamer lobbies and message boards, it now works across Discord, TikTok, and even real-life convos. Whether you’re taking a break, not watching, or straight-up ignoring everyone — you’re AFK.

AFK — Slang Examples in Sentences

“Don’t expect an answer — she’s been AFK all week.”

You’ll see people say “I was AFK sorry,” “He ghosted AFK,” or even “She’s gone AFK again.” It’s used in chats, captions, livestream comments — and yes, people say it out loud now too. In Gen Z and Alpha circles, it’s basically the modern “brb” but more wild.

Where Did “AFK” Come From? AFK Origin

AFK began wide-spread usage in the 1990s

AFK first popped up in the 1990s in gaming and IRC chats as a quick way to say “I’m away from keyboard.” It became second nature in online culture, especially among MMO and FPS players. It stuck around because it’s short, universal, and still feels relevant — even in group chats and DMs.

AFK in Every Language

Learn how to say (or at least explain) AFK in 9+ languages! Jump to a section from the table above to read about AFK in every language.

AFK意味｜AFKとは？ 🇯🇵

AFK（エーエフケー）は、オンラインでもリアルでも「離席してます」「返事できない」って意味で使われる

AFK（エーエフケー）は「キーボードから離れてる」って意味で、返信しないときや消えたときに使う言葉。いまでは日常会話でも使われるようになってる。

AFK의미｜AFK이란? 🇰🇷

AFK（에이에프케이)는 “자리 비움”이나 “반응 없음”의 뜻으로 사용되는 약어예요

AFK（에이에프케이)는 온라인 채팅에서 “잠시 자리를 비움”이라는 뜻이에요. 요즘은 실제 대화에서도 쓰이는 중.

AFK意思｜AFK是什么？ 🇨🇳

AFK 是“离开键盘”的缩写，表示暂时不在、不回复，现在也用于口语

AFK 是 “Away From Keyboard” 的缩写，意思是人暂时不在或没回应。现在也变成了口语化的表达。

AFK Bedeutung｜Was Bedeutet AFK? 🇩🇪

AFK bedeutet “nicht an der Tastatur” — ein Ausdruck aus dem Gaming, der heute auch im Alltag gesagt wird

AFK kommt aus der Gamer-Sprache und heißt “nicht an der Tastatur.” Heute sagt man das auch im echten Leben, wenn jemand plötzlich weg ist.

AFK Significado｜¿Qué Significa AFK? 🇪🇸

AFK es como decir “no estoy”, “desaparecí” o “no vi el mensaje” — y se usa igual en la vida real

AFK es la forma de decir que alguien se fue, no está respondiendo o simplemente desapareció. Viene de los videojuegos pero se usa en todos lados.

AFK Significato｜Che Cosa Vuol Dire AFK? 🇮🇹

AFK è uno slang nato dal gaming che ora si usa ovunque per dire “sono sparito”

AFK è l’abbreviazione di “away from keyboard” ed è diventata una frase comune per dire che sei sparito, non stai rispondendo o ti sei scollegato.

AFK Signification｜C’est Quoi AFK? 🇫🇷

AFK est un ancien mot du gaming pour dire qu’on est absent — utilisé aujourd’hui IRL et en ligne

AFK signifie “loin du clavier” et est utilisé pour dire qu’on ne répond pas ou qu’on a disparu, que ce soit en ligne ou en vrai.

AFK значение｜Что такое AFK? 🇷🇺

AFK — это универсальный способ сказать, что тебя нет, не ответишь, или ты просто пропал

AFK — это “away from keyboard”, используется когда кто-то исчез из чата, не отвечает или просто пропал. Теперь даже в реале говорят так.

AFK ما معنى｜المعنى AFK؟ 🇸🇦

AFK هو تعبير يدل على الغياب أو عدم التفاعل — سواء في الدردشة أو الحياة اليومية

AFK هو اختصار لـ “away from keyboard”، ويُستخدم عندما لا تكون متاحًا أو لا ترد، سواء أونلاين أو في الحياة الواقعية.

AFK Overview

AFK is what Gen Z and Alpha say when they go dark, zone out, or disappear for a bit — whether online or IRL. It’s a relic from the old web that stayed cool. Short, efficient, and meme-approved, it’s not going anywhere anytime soon.

That’s the full slang guide for AFK, straight from the Skibidi DB!