The Meaning and Usage of FW

FW on Instagram means the same thing as on any other social platform, and it is a street-originating phrase used online as an abbreviation.

FW is one of the most common ways of saying I agree with something or someone and is also used to stress your liking of something. 

FW is an abbreviated version of “Fuck with,” and some say, “I FW this,” they’re saying that they condone whatever they’re talking about.

The acronym in captions is often an exaggeration and elaboration of how much someone likes or dislikes anything. 

FW in captions can also be a question where creators ask, “Y’all FW this or nah?” or “Who’s FW this?”

The closest definitions to “FW” include like, love, adore, appreciate, and other synonyms that express positive feelings or agreeableness.  

Additionally, FW is also an abbreviation for Fashion Week, but that’s only during fashion week, as fashionistas commonly use the acronym with caution sign emojis to promote an event or post.

The Origin of ‘FW’

The acronym FW is a product of hip-hop and African American culture, as the phrase “Fuck With” is commonly used and thrown around in rap lyrics and friend groups.

“FW” in conversation is utilized in the same way it would be in posts, polls, or videos.

Despite the “F word” being part of the phrase, FW isn’t by any means negative and has evolved over time, normalizing it in everyday conversations.

You’ll hear “Fuck with” used in conversations around all major Western world cities, including Toronto, London, New York, LA, Atlanta, and more.

Its history dates back to being a millennial term that Gen Z carried on, and almost anyone would understand it mid-context if it wasn’t abbreviated. 

How to Use FW in Content Creation

In content creation, FW is best used to get people’s opinions, such as asking them if they FW your new song or the new outfit you just bought.

Disagreeing when replying to FW as a caption or comment can be by saying, “I don’t FW that,” or “Who on earth would FW that?”

The phrase is straightforward to incorporate into almost any kind of content online; just share something you FW or Don’t FW and post it. 

Here are some examples of popular Instagram videos from artists and creators incorporating the trendy phrase FW:

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A post shared by LOUD LUXURY (@loudluxury)

@Loud Luxury a Canadian electronic dance music crew, shares their new country remix, captioning the video, “Even if u don’t FW country u gotta LOVE this one.” The band proposed their new music in the most indirect relatable way possible, making a perfect example for brands and businesses. 

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A post shared by TRK ♉️ (@tharealkhidd)

A perfect example of how FW can be used to indicate that someone really likes something is this video by Tharealkhidd telling followers to go try the new Sonic cookie dough bites. Her caption, “YALL BETTER GO FW SONIC COOKIE DOUGH BITES,” exaggerates how good the cookies are. 

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A post shared by L̶T̶ (@lit.twinz)

However, in this video, the lit twins recommend Rod Wave’s new single “Fight the Feeling” with its dance video and the caption “YALL FW IT ORRRRRR ?????” asking for others’ opinions on the new track. 

This is among the most common uses of the phrase or acronym and the perfect inspiration for your content. 

Conclusion

Relatable content is a great way to inspire engagement and gain new followers. FW is a term that everyone will understand, and incorporating it into your content will undoubtedly spark some conversations and comments.

From statements to polls and debates, FW can easily fit into your content, and you can add your own twist on things, like turning FW into an IYKYK statement, IYFWYFWI.

The previous video examples perfectly explain the meaning of FW, and you can find more inspo online by searching it as a hashtag on TikTok or Instagram. 

Finally, start using trendy phrases and words to appear more relevant to your audience now that you know where to find explanations for all the internet slang you encounter.