The Meaning of CTFU: What It Is and How To Use It

Do you know the definition of CTFU? This guide will provide you with all of the information you need on the acronym CTFU, including its definition, usage, examples of CTFU, and more!

Your writing, at its best

Compose bold, clear, mistake-free, writing with Grammarly's AI-powered writing assistant

What does the acronym CTFU stand for?

According to Dictionary and Urban Dictionary, the abbreviation CTFU stands for “cracking the f*** up.” The term cracking up means laughing. This internet slang term is used to express laughter, usually in reaction to a humorous statement, situation, or joke. This internet slang word is used in a similar way to other forms of text-based laughter, like LMAO (laughing my a** off), LOL (laughing out loud), LMFAO (laughing my f***ing a** off), ROFL (rolling on floor laughing), ROFLMAO (rolling on floor laughing my a** off), or even a simple “hahaha.” This term is commonly used in SMS text messaging conversations as well as oh social media and via instant messenger.

According to The Free Dictionary, the abbreviation CTFU can also stand for CT Scan Follow Up. While this definition is still valid, it is far less common and should therefore be used sparingly. If you do decide to use the abbreviation CTFU to stand for CT scan follow-up, make sure that you provide the reader with proper context so that they can discern the intended meaning. This should be standard practice with any acronym that has more than one potential meaning.

Is the acronym CTFU casual or formal?

The acronym CTFU is extremely casual and should never be used in professional or formal contexts. First of all, using internet slang terms is only appropriate in casual text based conversations, such as chatting with a friend via SMS text message or via social media. Secondly, the acronym CTFU contains profanity which is never appropriate to use in a professional or formal setting. Therefore, the acronym CTFU should never be used in formal or professional settings like business emails, letters, or other polite conversations. Save using this acronym for casual, relaxed conversations with people that you know well, who you know will not be offended by the abbreviation CTFU. 

What are synonyms for the acronym CTFU?

There are many different words and phrases that one can use in place of the acronym CTFU. These are called synonyms, which are words and phrases that have the same definition as another word or phrase. It is not always appropriate to use an acronym or slang term, particularly one that contains an expletive, so it is useful to know alternate ways to express humor or amusement at something. Additionally, synonyms are useful to know if you want to avoid repeating yourself or if you are looking to expand your vocabulary. This list of synonyms for CTFU is provided by Thesaurus

  • chuckle
  • split one’s sides
  • cachinnate
  • roar
  • burst
  • giggle
  • fracture
  • crack up
  • convulsed
  • scream
  • crow
  • snicker
  • howl
  • grin
  • chortle
  • die laughing
  • laugh
  • whoop
  • guffaw
  • snort
  • with sound be in stitches
  • roll in the aisles
  • break up
  • titter
  • shriek

There are also many different words that mean the opposite of CTFU. These are known as antonyms. Antonyms are also useful to know if you are looking to expand your vocabulary. This list of antonyms for the term CTFU is also from Thesaurus

  • ring the blues
  • sorrow
  • blub
  • bawl
  • turn on waterworks
  • blubber
  • fret
  • crack up
  • complain
  • let go
  • lament
  • caterwaul
  • bewail
  • keen
  • snivel
  • shed bitter tears
  • choke up
  • cry
  • burst into tears
  • mewl
  • groan
  • yammer
  • sigh
  • whine
  • moan
  • sniff
  • put on the weeps
  • howl
  • shed tears
  • grieve
  • wail
  • regret
  • dissolve in tears
  • yowl
  • squall
  • whimper
  • break down
  • sob
  • mourn
  • deplore
  • weep
  • bemoan
  • boohoo
  • let it all out

How can the abbreviation CTFU be used in a sentence?

The abbreviation CTFU can be used in many different ways in sentences to express laughter. Make sure that you only use the abbreviation CTFU in casual text-based conversation where you know the other person will not be offended by any vulgarity. In this example, Nancy is texting her friend Ursula about the day at school that she missed.

Nancy: Ursula! I’m so so sad u had to miss school today. U missed an assembly that was actually fun.

Ursula: OMG really? Ughhh I’m bummed. I still have a fever so I prob won’t be there tomorrow either. What was the assembly?

Nancy: The drama club is putting on a comedy show so they did a little bit of it foe the whole school and OMG it was so funny. I was CTFU.

Ursula: I’m so jealous! We should def go to the show together after I get over this nasty sickness.

Nancy: 4 sure!

Here, Nancy uses the term CTFU to show Ursula that she was laughing very hard at the comedy show that the drama department put on during the school-wide assembly. In this next example, Nancy and Ursula are talking about a show that they watched this weekend.

Ursula: Dude, I almost got in major trouble during Mr. Smith’s class. 

Nancy: Why what happened?

Ursula: I just kept thinking about that TV show we watched this weekend. I got the giggles and couldn’t stop CTFU. Eventually I had to go excuse myself to get some water.

Nany: LMAO! I don’t blame u!

Here, Ursula uses the term CTFU to show Nancy that she was laughing in Mr. Smith’s class.

Overall, the abbreviation CTFU stands for “cracking the f** up.” Similar to acronyms like LOL, LMAO, and others, this trending internet slang term is used to express laughter, usually in reaction to a joke or humorous situation. This casual acronym is commonly used on social media and in SMS text messages.

Sources:

  1. https://www.thesaurus.com/browse/laugh
  2. https://www.thesaurus.com/browse/cry
  3. https://acronyms.thefreedictionary.com/Cracking+the+Freak+Up
  4. https://www.dictionary.com/e/acronyms/ctfu/#:~:text=Sometimes%20written%20in%20all%20capital,individuals%20perceived%20as%20unduly%20dejected.
  5. https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=ctfu