If someone types “afk” mid-game or mid-chat and disappears, here’s what they’re telling you — plus where the term came from and how to use it yourself.
| Meaning | “Away from keyboard” |
|---|---|
| Type | Gaming / chat abbreviation |
| Means | Temporarily unavailable |
| Opposite | “Back” or BRB → back |
Short answer: AFK stands for “away from keyboard.” It means the person has stepped away from their computer or game and won’t respond for a little while.
What does AFK mean?
AFK means “away from keyboard.” People type it to let others know they’re temporarily unavailable — grabbing food, answering the door, taking a break. In games, it signals teammates not to rely on you for a moment. When you’re back, you might type “back” or just resume playing.
Where did AFK come from?
AFK dates to the early days of online chat (IRC) and multiplayer gaming in the 1990s, when players needed a quick way to say they were stepping away. It’s been standard in gaming culture ever since and has spread to general chat and workplace messaging apps.
How to use AFK (with examples)
- “brb, going afk for 5.”
- “Sorry I missed that — I was afk.”
- “Don’t start the match yet, he’s afk.”
It can be a verb too: “I’m going to afk for a sec.” Some games also show an “AFK” status automatically when you’re idle too long.
AFK in gaming vs. real life
In games, being AFK at the wrong time can get you kicked from a match or flagged for inactivity. Outside gaming, “going AFK” has become a casual way to say you’re logging off or stepping away from your screen for a while.
Related terms
More shorthand explained: what does SMH mean, what does TL;DR mean, and the full Words & Meanings section.
FAQ
What does AFK mean in gaming?
It means “away from keyboard” — the player has stepped away and is temporarily unavailable.
What does AFK mean in texting?
The same: the person is away from their device and will reply later.
Is AFK the same as BRB?
They’re close. BRB (“be right back”) says you’ll return soon; AFK says you’re currently away. People often use them together.