Slang terms like “FAFO” are more commonly used these days while texting on Snapchat, TikTok, or Instagram. This shorthand is known as a warning indication for letting one know about the consequences of doing something. Let’s get into details and find out what FAFO means along with its conversational usage examples.
What Does FAFO Mean in Slang
FAFO is the shorthand for “f––k around & find out.” It is an internet slang term that is used as a warning message to make others aware of the negative results of performing actions that push boundaries or show reckless behavior. It is often used seriously in conversations; however, it can also be used humorously, depending on the context.
Examples (Using FAFO in Conversations)
Here are a few practical examples that demonstrate how this slang can be used in real-life scenarios:
Example 1
Leona: I am going to take the CEO’s car from the parking lot.
Hector: FAFO, you will be jobless by the end of the day.
Example 2
Nadia: I want to go to the police station and prank them to shoot a video.
Ramiro: FAFO, I believe you and your camera will then stay in their custody for a few days.
Example 3
Holden: If anyone messed with me today, it would not be good for that person. FAFO!
Estefanía: Relax dear, what’s wrong with you and why are you talking like that?
Example 4
Maxwell: There is a rumor that anyone who walks into the hospital without a mask will get sick.
Beatriz: FAFO, it’s not a rumor, it’s the truth.
Where Does FAFO Come From
“F––k around & find out” has been present and searched for online since the early 2000s. It originated from African American Vernacular English (AAVE) and was used in its full form from the beginning. Later, it evolved with the rise of Gen Z slang that made it ideal for the phrase “f––k around and find out” to get shortened.
How FAFO Became Popular
The main reason for the popularity of this term was the platform X (formerly known as Twitter). Elon Musk tweeted the word “FAFO” only in response to conventional talk with someone. This gave a fair boost to the short form of “f––k around and find out” searches and eventually normalized it in daily communication.
FAFO
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 2, 2022
The Google Trends screenshot below verifies that searches for the word described in Elon Musk’s tweet increased immediately afterward.
Outside the internet, this word was also well known in the military where it was used as a warning in tactical and operational talk. Military personnel used it casually to warn others about possible consequences which made it a strong phrase about actions and results. The strong impact of it is still circulating on social media platforms as can be seen in the embedded video.
Alternate FAFO Meanings
Other abbreviations that are less common but related to different fields are given below:
- It could also mean “Fool Around and Find Out.”
- It is the name of the Norwegian company “Fafo Foundation.”
- There are two songs released in 2021 and 2023 named “F.A.F.O.”
