F definition: what "F" means and examples

February 10, 2026

A digital gesture used to "pay respects" or acknowledge a failure, mistake, or unfortunate event.

This term has a fascinating origin in the gaming world, specifically from a scene in Call of Duty where players were prompted to "Press F to Pay Respects" at a funeral. It has since migrated into general internet culture as a way to acknowledge a "loss" or a minor tragedy. If someone shares a story about failing a test or dropping their phone in the sink, a friend might simply reply with "F" in the chat. It is a succinct, slightly ironic way of showing empathy. While it started as a joke, it is now a foundational part of how the younger generation communicates sympathy for life's little mishaps. It serves as a digital nod of shared understanding, proving that even a single letter can carry a significant amount of social meaning and emotional support in a fast-moving conversation.

Examples:

  1. "I just realized I left my lunch on the kitchen counter."
  2. "F in the chat for your sandwich, mate.""He tried to ask her out and got rejected in front of everyone. Big F."
  3. "My laptop just died right before I hit save on my essay." "F. That is absolutely devastating."

We've compiled this dictionary of common teen slang to help parents communicate with their kids. SafetyMode is the world's most advanced parental safety app for phones, making any Android phone safe for kids. You can find out more and download the app just here.

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