By Kavita Mistry 
Internet slang changes fast, and sometimes you’ll see something in a message or a post that makes you pause and wonder what it means. One of them is “TIFU.” Having an idea of what these words are can assist you in determining what online messages are saying. This article will explain the meaning of TIFU in texts and where it’s used.
What Does TIFU Mean?
TIFU is short for “Today I F***ed Up.” People usually use it when they’re sharing a story about something they messed up in a big way, but occasionally it’s just something stupid or humiliating. You’ll usually see it in capital letters, but not necessarily.
TIFU became popular on Reddit around 2013, especially in the r/tifu community, where people shared funny or embarrassing mistakes. It started as part of a trend of storytelling on the platform and later spread into texting, memes, and other corners of the internet. The stories aren’t always serious; many are light, funny, and easy to relate to.
How Is It Used in Text Messages?
TIFU is generally used on the internet or in messages when someone wants to comment on a funny or humiliating mistake they’ve made. It may be the start of a longer story, or simply a quick way to admit, like sending the wrong text to someone or talking at the wrong time.
They also utilize it playfully in group conversation to reduce the seriousness of something when something goes slightly wrong. You will typically find it paired with memes or emojis to lighten the atmosphere. It is a relaxed word, so it is used primarily between friends or online, not formally or professionally.
Examples of TIFU in Conversations
- “TIFU by sleeping through an important Zoom meeting.”
- “TIFU by wearing two different shoes to work.”
- “TIFU by sending a screenshot to the person I was talking about.”
- “TIFU by microwaving instant noodles without water.”
Now that you know the meaning of TIFU in texts and how people use it, you’ll understand it the next time you see it in a message or on Reddit. It’s one of those terms that keeps online talk casual and relatable.