NSFW
Texting & Internet Slang abbreviation · Social Media
| Stands for | Not safe for work |
|---|---|
| Categories | Texting & Internet Slang |
NSFW stands for Not safe for work, a social media abbreviation.
Label warning that a link, image or post contains material, such as nudity, gore or strong language, that would be inappropriate to view in a public place or at work. Used on Reddit, X, Discord and forums.
Example: NSFW: the surgery video in this thread is very graphic.
Usage notes
Emerged on early-2000s forums as a courtesy tag and is now a built-in content filter on Reddit and Discord. It is also used jokingly for mildly embarrassing content. Its counterpart SFW marks content as safe. In tech, "NSFW filters" refers to automated systems that blur or block adult images. Acceptable to write in professional contexts precisely because it warns.