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

Do you know the definition of STFU? This article will provide you with all of the information you need on the abbreviation STFU, including its definition, usage, examples, and more!

Your writing, at its best

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

Start writing

What does the acronym STFU mean?

According to Urban Dictionary, STFU stands for shut the f*ck up. This chat slang term is a very rude way of telling someone to be quiet. This term is often used in a joking way with someone one is close with to tell them to knock it off, or to stop talking about a certain topic. This is the most common definition and is a common response to someone saying something someone doesn’t like. This is a demeaning, vulgar slang that can cause irritation. One could also use STHU, or shut the Hell up. This is often used on online message boards, instant messaging or multiplayer games on an online multiplayer platform as a comeback. For a little extra anger emphasis, add some exclamation points! A third exclamation point could really drive it home. 

According to The Free Dictionary, STFU can stand for much more than just let me know. This acronym is used for efficiency reasons and has other potential definitions, but these are less commonly used. If you do decide to use one of these alternate meanings, make sure that you provide the person you are talking to with the proper context and information so that they are not confused by the acronym’s double meaning. 

  •  Slippery Teflon From Utah
  •  Save The Freaking Unicorns
  •  Scrawny Two Faced Underling
  •  Southern Tenant Farmers Union (US History students know this was large labor union was formed in Arkansas in 1934, which lobbied the federal government for better New Deal reforms. Dissolved in 1960.)
  •  Special Transitory Food Units (non-profit organization)
  •  Sir, That’s Freakin Ugly (polite form)
  •  Show Them Fury Unleashed
  •  Super Time Force Ultra
  •  Stop Tickling Furry Unicorns
  •  Stop Talking Find Username
  •  Special Task Force Union
  •  Short-Term Follow-Up (pharmaceutical study)
  •  South Texas Farming University
  •  Silence That Followed Us
  •  Special Task Force Unit (gaming)
  •  Stealing Turkeys From Uncle
  •  Star Trek Federation University
  •  Samurai Training Finished Unsuccessfully
  •  Scrawny Two-Faced Underling
  •  Short Term Follow Up
  •  Superior Tactical Fragging Unit
  •  Stop Trolling for Unicorns
  •  Save the Flying Unicorns
  •  Shut the Freak Up (polite form)
  •  Say, Thanks For Understanding
  •  Stinky Telnet Fell Under

What are other internet slang and text slang acronyms?

STFU is one of many chat acronyms you may see. The best resource for finding acronyms of this category is Zip Whip, which has provided the below list of common knowledge acronyms and abbreviations you might see in text conversations or on social media, or in some face to face conversations. When in doubt, use the equivalent full form of the popular phrase you are intending despite the acronym’s convenience. 

  •  LOL: Laughing out loud
  •  Bestie: a best friend or term of endearment
  •  FTW: For the win
  •  TTP: To the point
  •  Tea: Gossip, drama
  •  BDAY: Birthday
  •  FWIW: For what it’s worth
  •  COB: Close of business
  •  DAE: Does any else
  •  DM: Direct message
  •  NVM: Never mind
  •  SNMP: So not my problem
  •  SO: Significant other
  •  IMO: In my opinion
  •  QAP: Quick as possible
  •  WFH: Work from home
  •  TL;DR: Too long, don’t/didn’t read
  •  PPL: People
  •  FTFY: Fixed that for you
  •  WDYM: What do you mean?
  •  F2F: Face to face
  •  IG: Instagram
  •  RN: Right now
  •  TIA: Thanks in advance
  •  TBA: To be announced
  •  NTH: Nice to have
  •  CYT: See you tomorrow
  •  EOD: End of day
  •  B4N: Bye for now
  •  DIY: Do it yourself
  •  AMAA: Ask me almost anything
  •  AFAIK: As far as I know
  •  FYI: For your information
  •  DIKY: Do I know you?
  •  TBC: To be continued
  •  NBD: No big deal
  •  Finna: going to, intending to
  •  BRB: Be right back
  •  STFU: Let me know
  •  YP: Yes please
  •  KMN: Kill me know
  •  WYWH: Wish you were here
  •  FOMO: Fear of missing out
  •  MSG: Message
  •  W/O: Without
  •  YMMV: Your mileage may vary
  •  TY: Thank you
  •  HTH: Hope this helps
  •  IKR: I know, right
  •  IDC: I don’t care
  •  POV: Point of view
  •  NP: No problem
  •  BFF: Best friends forever
  •  Bae: Before anyone else
  •  JIC: Just in case
  •  BBL: Be back later
  •  ILY: I love you
  •  PNL: Peace & love
  •  TIL: Today I learned
  •  ASAP: As soon as possible
  •  MFW: My face when
  •  TYT: Take your time
  •  OFC: Of course
  •  IFYP: I feel your pain
  •  BTW: By the way
  •  SFLR: Sorry for late reply
  •  TFW: That feeling when
  •  TBF: To be frank
  •  OTOH: On the other hand
  •  ISTG: I swear to god
  •  NGL: Not gonna lie
  •  TBD: To be determined or to be decided
  •  HMU: Hit me up
  •  OMG: Oh my god/gosh
  •  Sus: Suspicious
  •  TBH: To be honest
  •  TTYL: Talk to you later
  •  AMA: Ask me anything
  •  TMI: Too much information
  •  CYA: See ya
  •  HBU: How about you?
  •  SRSLY: Seriously
  •  IMHO: In my humble/honest opinion
  •  JK: Just kidding
  •  IRL: In real life
  •  THX: Thanks
  •  IIRC: If I recall correctly
  •  G2G: Got to go
  •  BC or B/C: Because
  •  Yeet: To throw something or used as an exclamation
  •  QOTD: Quote of the day
  •  AKA: Also known as
  •  YGTI: You get the idea
  •  OMW: On my way
  •  JSYK: Just so you know
  •  V: Very
  •  TGIF: Thank goodness/god it’s Friday
  •  OOTD: Outfit of the day
  •  YOLO: You only live once
  •  SMH: Shaking my head
  •  GR8: Great
  •  OOO: Out of office
  •  MRW: My reaction when
  •  HIFW: How I feel when
  •  ICYMI: In case you missed it
  •  ATM: At the moment
  •  OML: Oh my lord
  •  ROFL: Rolling on floor laughing
  •  IDK: I don’t know
  •  IYKYK: If you know you know

What are synonyms of STFU?

Power Thesaurus has many synonyms for STFU!  These equivalent terms can be used interchangeably.

  •  quieten
  •  silence
  •  cage
  •  put a sock in it
  •  hush
  •  dry up
  •  shut down
  •  quiet down
  •  shut the fuck up
  •  stop talking
  •  say nothing
  •  hush up
  •  coop
  •  shut the hell up
  •  fall silent
  •  pipe down
  •  shut it
  •  shut
  •  lock up
  •  belt up
  •  keep mum
  •  quiet
  •  button up
  •  keep your mouth shut
  •  shut your mouth
  •  remain silent
  •  be quiet
  •  lock
  •  clam up
  •  dummy up
  •  shut your face
  •  keep my mouth shut
  •  close
  •  silent
  •  still
  •  shush
  •  be silent
  •  keep quiet
  •  hold your tongue
  •  keep silent
  •  stay quiet
  •  close up

Overall, the acronym STFU means shut the fuck up. This internet slang term shorthand is a rude way of telling someone to be quiet.

Sources:

  1. 110 Texting Acronyms, Abbreviations and Slang to Know | Zip Whip 
  2. STFU – What does STFU stand for? | The Free Dictionary  
  3. Shut Up synonyms – 1 243 Words and Phrases for Shut Up | Power Thesaurus 
  4. Stfu | Urban Dictionary 
mm

Kevin Miller is a growth marketer with an extensive background in Search Engine Optimization, paid acquisition and email marketing. He is also an online editor and writer based out of Los Angeles, CA. He studied at Georgetown University, worked at Google and became infatuated with English Grammar and for years has been diving into the language, demystifying the do's and don'ts for all who share the same passion! He can be found online here.

Recent Posts

Gentrification Meaning

Gentrification Meaning: Here’s What It Means and How To Use It

Blasphemy Meaning

Blasphemy Meaning: Here’s What It Means and How To Use It

AOC Meaning: Here’s What It Means and How To Use It

Understanding how angel numbers work is important if you’re into numerology. Here is what the number 333 means in love!

333 Angel Number Meaning In Love Meaning: Here’s What It Means and How To Use It