RTFI
What Does RTFI Mean in a Text?
RTFI means "Read the F**king Instructions." The abbreviation RTFI is usually an exasperated response to a question that need not have been asked (because the answer was apparent in an instruction manual). However, RTFI can also be used as a reprimand after someone has made a hash (i.e., a bad job) of something by not reading the instructions supplied. (RTFI is similar to DEAR (Drop Everything And Read), but DEAR is usually sent before the disaster has occurred as opposed to afterwards.)Image for RTFI
When I write RTFI, I mean this:
The image shows a person reading the instructions.
Summary of Key Points
"Read the F**king Instructions" is the most common definition for RTFI on Snapchat, WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.RTFI | |
---|---|
Definition: | Read the F**king Instructions |
Type: | Abbreviation |
Guessability: | 2: Quite easy to guess |
Typical Users: | Adults and Teenagers |
Examples of RTFI in Sentences
Here are examples of RTFI being used in conversations:- Roger: I'm trying to set up my TV, but I can't get any channels.
- Terry: Just RTFI.
- Ralph: Where does this bit go?
- Daisy: If you RTFI, you'll find out!
An Academic Look at RTFI
RTFI is an initialism abbreviation. Technically, this means it is pronounced using its individual letters (i.e., Arr Tee Eff Eye), but as this is harder to say than "Read the f***ing instructions," it is not often uttered using its letters. In other words, the abbreviation RTFI is for efficiency in writing and not efficiency in speech.RTFI is typically used as an imperative (i.e., an order) and can stand alone as a complete sentence.
What Did We Say before Texting and Social Media?
Before the digital era, we would have just said something like "read the instructions" instead of RTFI.Example of RTFI Used in a Text
RTFI
Help Us Improve Cyber Definitions
- Do you disagree with something on this page?
- Did you spot a typo?
- Do you know a slang term that we've missed?
See Also
DEAR (Drop Everything And Read) L2R (Learn To Read) RTFD (Read The F**king Description) RTFM (Read The F**king Manual) RTFQ (Read The F**king Question) RTFT (Read The F***ing Thread) RTFT (Read The F**king Topic) RTM (Read The Manual) WAEFRD (When All Else Fails, Read Directions)Quiz
Try our fun quiz to test your knowledge of slang and texting abbreviations.Gold
Silver
Bronze
0
- This test has questions.
- A correct answer is worth 5 points.
- You can get up to 5 bonus points for a speedy answer.
- Some questions demand more than one answer. You must get every part right.
- Beware! Wrong answers score 0 points.
- 🏆 If you beat one of the top 3 scores, you will be invited to apply for the Hall of Fame.
Scoring System
Cyber Guru (+)
Cyber Hero (+)
Cyber Captain (+)
Cyber Sergeant (+)
Cyber Recruit (+)
Cyber Guru (+)
Cyber Hero (+)
Cyber Captain (+)
Cyber Sergeant (+)
Cyber Recruit (+)