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What Does NSFW Mean?

The use of abbreviations in our daily lives is a great way of saving time and energy, especially when texting or chatting through email or social media. But there are moments of confusion when the other person you are interacting with is unfamiliar with the abbreviation you are using. Explaining exactly what you meant defeats the logic of using such an abbreviation in the first place. Even though there are common acronyms in use today, you should always be aware of the upcoming new slang in order to stay in the game. So, what exactly is the meaning of “NSFW”?  Social Buddy has the answers for you. 

What Does NSFW Stand For?

NSFW stands for “not safe for work” and it is a common term that you are likely to come across on the internet. The term is used when the online content you are trying to access is not appropriate for a workplace setting. This is one way that many internet outlets mark content as not suitable for public use or in a workplace.

The internet also interprets NSFW to mean “not suitable for work” but more emphasis should be put on the use of “safe” as the most commonly accepted version. NSFW can encompass a wide variety of internet content, from bad language to nudity all the way to good old-fashioned gore. But you can take it as basically anything offensive or anything you should not be found accessing in a professional setting or around others who might get upset.  

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Origin of NSFW

Surprisingly, the abbreviation NSFW has been in use for quite some time now, even before Facebook or other social media platforms came into existence. It was mainly applicable as some form of “cryptic code” on online forums, as well as the subject line of many chain emails. Its main goal was to inform the recipient that the information being shared was not meant for the faint-hearted or for sharing in public.  

The acronym became more popular in the early 2000s thanks to the aggregator sites like Slashdot. These websites created awareness and popularized NSFW by making it a more widely used and understood concept.  

Anytime you come across the hashtag #NSFW warning on content such as photos, videos, or even articles, don’t take it for granted – take some precaution. This is important to avoid offending those around you by accessing information that could be sensitive to others. It is always better to be safe rather than sorry and, ultimately, embarrassed or disciplined at work.  

Therefore, you should know that by using the abbreviation NSFW you will be showing courtesy to those around you when sharing sensitive content that can raise eyebrows. This means that you shouldn’t share anything deemed to be sensitive without using NSFW or finding a better way of marking such content. Whether it is a link, a GIF, a photo, music, or video, take your time to categorize it as Parental Guidance or PG-13 for your target audience. Better still, you can type NSFW or use the hashtag #NSFW and include it in your content. This way, you can ensure that your content does not reach the wrong audience and paint you in a negative or unprofessional light.  

Final Thought

Now that you are aware of what NSFW stands for, you can apply it in your daily life. Don’t forget to use it where appropriate to avoid offending others.

Written by Erin

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