fafo
Definition
The meaning: FAFO is an acronym for “F*ck Around and Find Out.” It’s used to warn someone that reckless or disrespectful actions will lead to serious consequences.
La signification : FAFO est l’acronyme de “F*ck Around and Find Out”, une expression qui signifie qu’un comportement imprudent ou provocateur mènera à des répercussions sérieuses. C’est une façon familière et directe de dire « tu vas voir ce qui se passe si tu continues ».
Here's an example of use: "He thought he could mess with the boss and get away with it. Well, he FAFO'd."
This slang is often used in internet culture and informal speech, usually to describe a situation where someone faces the consequences of their actions.
Word Analysis
French equivalents »» Tu vas voir »» Il l’a bien cherché »» Faut pas jouer avec le feu »» Qui s’y frotte s’y pique »» Tu vas t’en mordre les doigts Ⓐ Il pensait pouvoir tricher au jeu — il a joué avec le feu, maintenant il est banni. Ⓑ Elle a insulté la prof et s’est fait virer. FAFO… English equivalents »» Play stupid games, win stupid prizes »» Mess around and find out »» Learn the hard way »» Face the consequences »» Reap what you sow Ⓐ He thought he could cheat the system — classic FAFO moment. Ⓑ She pushed too far and FAFO'd — now she’s suspended.
Dialogue
Alex: "Did you see Mark trash-talking the organizers at the meeting?" Sam: "Yeah, he thought he could get away with it — but now he FAFO'd and got kicked off the panel."
Etymology
Origin: FAFO is a clipped acronym of “F*** Around and Find Out,” popularized in internet memes and social media in the late 2010s as a pithy warning that reckless actions carry consequences.
Modern Usage: Widely used online, in texting, and in speech to caution someone or to comment retrospectively when someone suffers fallout from their own misbehavior.
Connotation: Informal and somewhat abrasive—implies inevitability of repercussions. Often carries a tone of “you asked for it.”
Grammar Note: Used as a sentence or tag — can stand alone (“He FAFO'd.”) or be embedded (“If you speed in this zone, FAFO.”).
Audience
FAFO is common in casual, internet-driven contexts and among younger speakers familiar with meme culture.
When to use: Use it to warn someone about potential fallout or to remark on the predictable outcome of risky behaviour. For example: “You hacked your friend’s account? FAFO.”
Dictionary Meaning
Newsweek defines it as an acronym meaning "F*** Around, Find Out," commonly used as a warning that actions will lead to consequences." Here's an example of use: "She thought she could skip paying rent and argue with the landlord — well, she FAFO'd and got evicted the following week."
News Snippet
"…think season two will be the great FAFO, for MAGA and the US in general… get the popcorn! [in the comment section]"
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Extra! Extra!
For a fun and engaging exploration of our word of the day, watch the following…Brown noser & Ass kisser'
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Common Idioms & Expressions Related to "FAFO"
Play stupid games, win stupid prizes
If you act recklessly or foolishly, you’ll suffer the consequences.
Example: "He thought it was funny to prank the security guard—play stupid games, win stupid prizes."
You reap what you sow
Your actions have consequences—good or bad, they come back to you.
Example: "He spent years lying to people. Now no one trusts him—he reaped what he sowed."
What goes around comes around
If you do bad things, bad things will happen to you (and vice versa).
Example: "She always cheated others—now she’s being scammed. What goes around comes around."
Bite off more than you can chew
To take on more than you can handle, often leading to failure or trouble.
Example: "He thought he could insult the entire staff and still stay manager—bit off more than he could chew."
Learn the hard way
To gain knowledge or wisdom through difficult or painful experiences.
Example: "I didn’t listen to the warning signs and learned the hard way when my project failed."
Poke the bear
To provoke someone dangerous or easily angered, often with bad results.
Example: "He kept mocking the coach in front of the team—definitely poking the bear."
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