adjective Internet Slang

NSFW

/ˌɛn ɛs ˌdʌbəljuː ˈɛf/ · adjective · informal

Not Safe For Work — a warning that the content is graphic, sexual, or NSFW to open in public.

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Definitions

1

A content warning meaning 'not safe for work,' flagging material you shouldn't open around colleagues or your boss.

“NSFW: don't click this in the office.”
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2

Used broadly for anything sexual, gory, or otherwise embarrassing to be caught viewing.

“The whole thread is NSFW, save it for later.”
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3

Sometimes applied jokingly to things that are just loud, gross, or surprising rather than truly explicit.

“NSFW warning: this pizza is so cheesy it's almost indecent.”
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NSFW In A Sentence

Tagging this NSFW just so nobody opens it on the bus.
Heads up, the link's super nsfw, headphones on.
He sent an nsfw meme to the group chat by accident, classic.

Origin & Usage

An internet labeling convention from the forum and image-board era, warning users not to open content while at work. SFW ('safe for work') is its opposite.

Variants nsfwnot safe for worksfw
Tags #acronym#internet#texting#meme

People Also Ask

What does NSFW mean in texting?

It means 'not safe for work,' a warning that something is sexual, graphic, or embarrassing to view in public. It tells you to wait until you're alone.

Does NSFW always mean explicit?

Usually it means sexual or graphic content, but it's also used loosely for anything gross, shocking, or awkward to be seen viewing.

What's the opposite of NSFW?

SFW, meaning 'safe for work' — content that's totally fine to open anywhere. People tag both depending on context.

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