Abbreviations like “LOL” are extremely popular on the internet. In this article, discover with us the meaning of the abbreviation “RTFM”, its origin and its use cases.
“RTFM”: what does this abbreviation mean?
Sometimes it is possible to wonder how someone could have the idea to ask a particular question. For example, the question itself may already contain part of the answer, which is itself (very) obvious. In such a case, the person who asked the question may, as a reaction, be met with a curt response: « Really? RTFM! »
RTFM is an abbreviation of the English phrase “ Read the f!cking manual « , a rather abrupt invitation to consult the user manual instead of asking countless questions or questions with obvious answers. This term is most often used in a condescending or sarcastic manner, the idea not being really to advise the interlocutor to refer to the manual.
What are the variations of the abbreviation « RTFM »?
Depending on the context, the letter « F » can correspond to different words for the version written in full. Thus, it can sometimes be a question of fine manual (“good” manual) or friendly manual (user-friendly manual).
However, most often, it is a question of the » f!cking manual « , as this abbreviation is mostly used in the gaming community, which can sometimes be quite toxic with beginners, depending on the game in question. The abbreviation « RTFM » is then used to remind these newcomers of their status. In such a case, any question regarding the basics or mechanics of the game in question, often asked by a beginner, provokes an « RTFM » comment. On the other hand, the person concerned generally does not receive a detailed or concrete answer, nor any help whatsoever.
The use of meme-related terms, such as « RTFM », is intended to show how some questions can be considered useless by players who consider themselves more experienced or who are simply elitist. The abbreviation « RTFM » is also not contrary to the netiquette that is common in games or on forums, so people who use it are never bothered, despite their condescending behavior.
Origin and use of the abbreviation “RTFM”
On the Internet, there are several theories regarding the date of the first use of this abbreviation. Guides for cadets during World War II, printer manuals in the 1980s… Each community has its own theory regarding the date of appearance of the abbreviation « RTFM ».
It is likely that this actually dates from the beginning of the computer and software developmentbecause manuals were then essential to the use of technologies, which is less the case today. At that time, the documentation was therefore extremely complete and detailed, and for good reason: users needed this type of information to use the software in question in an informed manner.
The abbreviation « RTFM » was probably first used on technical forums, mailing lists, or newsgroups set up for users to ask and answer technical questions. In these situations, experienced users were often faced with questions that could easily be answered in existing documentation. The use of the abbreviation « RTFM » was then used as a fairly direct reminder to people who were making obvious beginner's mistakes or who were not taking the time to consult the information already available.
Over time, this abbreviation has become a very widespread meme. Today, it is no longer only used in technocratic communities, such as programming or video games; it has also found its place in the most diverse fields, as long as the people concerned ignore the advice, guides or FAQs (frequently asked questions) already made available to them.
Abbreviation “RTFM”: framework and context
Occasionally, the abbreviation « RTFM » may be combined with other chat-specific abbreviations or emojis to convey a similar message. For example, this could be « STFW » ( » Search the F!cking Web ”) or “LMGTFY” (“ Let me google that for you « ). These abbreviations are very clear: you should first look for answers on the Internet before asking for help from others.
Note
Abbreviations and terms like « RTFM » represent, along with other memes, a form of expression that some users take to its extreme: the goal of trolling is absolutely not to engage in a real conversation, but rather to ridicule other users.
