F4

What Does F4 Mean?

The Quick Answer

F4 is used online, in text messaging, and sometimes in speech, with the meanings "f*ck" and "to quit."

More Detail...

It is particularly popular on the the Roblox gaming platform. Here we take a look at each of these definitions and explain why parents might have cause to be concerned if they find their children are using F4 in their online interactions.

To Quit

• "I'm going to F4. Will be back online later."
• "If you hate your job that much, you should F4 and do something different."
• "Sam needs to lighten up, or I'm going to F4."

Check out our comprehensive dictionary of gaming terms.

F*ck

• "Let's F4 now. I have to do my homework." (Innocent and appropriate.)
• "F4!!! You beat me again." (Probably not appropriate.)

Image for F4

When I write F4, I mean this:

Parents may have cause for concern if they find their children are using F4.

Summary of Key Points for the First Definition

"To Quit" is, by far, the most common meaning for F4 when it is used in a text. (Bear in mind that it could have another meaning if used in a different context.)

F4
Definition:	To Quit
Type:	Numeronym and Slang
Guessability:	4: Difficult to guess
Typical Users:	Adults and Teenagers

Summary of Key Points for the Second Definition

"F*ck" is another common definition for F4.

F4
Definition:	F*ck
Type:	Numeronym
Guessability:	3: Guessable
Typical Users:	Adults and Teenagers

An Academic Look at F4

F4 is both a numeronym and a slang term. F4 is a numeronym, as it is an abbreviation made up of just numbers or of letters and numbers. Numeronyms can be formed in various ways, such as:

• Shortening a word by replacing a sequence of letters with the count of those letters (e.g., i18n for "internationalization" and a11y for "accessibility").
• Combining letters and numbers (e.g, K9 for "canine" and W3 for "World Wide Web").
• Using numbers to represent letters or words (e.g., 143 for "I love you," 637 for "always and forever," and 5201314 for "I will love you for a lifetime").

Numeronyms were used long before the digital era. Many of the early ones were written on the envelopes of letters between lovers. They were often a coded message between the sender and the recipient, thought to allow secret expressions of love or passion. When used with the meaning "to quit," F4 is also a slang term. Slang is informal language that consists of words, phrases, and uses of language that are often restricted to a specific context or a particular group of users. Slang is not typically used in formal or professional settings.

Example of F4 Used in a Text

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