AFK

American  

Or afk

abbreviation

1. (primarily used in texting and messaging) away from keyboard.

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AFK British  

abbreviation

1. away from keyboard

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Usage

What does AFK mean? Frequently found in chat rooms of massively multiplayer online games (MMOG), AFK is short for away from keys for when you aren't actively on a computer.How is AFK pronounced?[ey-ef-key]

Etymology

Origin of AFK

From its use in streaming chat, especially as a notification to others in online gaming chat, to indicate a participant is absent, has temporarily stopped monitoring chat, or has stopped participating until further notice

Example Sentences

Emily Klein, a manager at AFK Books & Records, a bookstore in Virginia, told the outlet that she will now require parental consent for the book's sale.

From Salon

Chinese developers include Lilith Games, which held 2 percent of the same market in the quarter through its “AFK Arena” and “Rise of Kingdoms” games, and MiHoYo, which held another 2 percent through games including “Genshin Impact.”

From Washington Post

Human Presence Detection puts the laptop in a “modern standby state” when you’re AFK.

From The Verge

“I’m afraid of asking dumb questions or intruding when they are AFK, away from keyboard,” Lee says.

From Seattle Times

It’s mostly reruns of earlier streams exhorting viewers to follow broadcasters to Twitch and streamers who are AFK but broadcasting a game anyway.

From The Verge