phrase Gaming Slang

AFK

/ˌeɪ ɛf ˈkeɪ/ · phrase · informal

Away From Keyboard — you've stepped away and aren't at the screen.

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Definitions

1

Used more broadly to mean offline or unreachable for a stretch.

“I'll be afk all weekend, camping with no signal.”
by community
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2

Stands for 'away from keyboard,' meaning you've left your computer and aren't actively at the game or chat.

“Going AFK for a bit, hold the fort.”
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3

In gaming, a complaint about a teammate who's not playing, just standing still.

“We lost because our last guy was AFK the whole match.”
by community
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AFK In A Sentence

AFK two minutes, gotta refill my drink.
Don't go afk during ranked, it ruins it for everyone.
He's been afk since lunch, must be in a meeting.

Origin & Usage

Born in multiplayer gaming and IRC chat, meaning 'away from keyboard.' It became essential etiquette for telling teammates you're temporarily gone.

Variants afkaway from keyboard
Tags #acronym#gaming#internet#texting

People Also Ask

What does AFK mean in gaming?

It means 'away from keyboard,' signaling you've stepped away from your computer. In games it's also a complaint about a teammate who isn't playing.

What's the difference between AFK and BRB?

BRB promises a quick return, while AFK just states you're away, sometimes for a while. AFK is more common in gaming contexts.

Can you get penalized for being AFK?

Yes, many online games punish AFK players in ranked matches because abandoning the team is unfair. Some auto-kick idle players.

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