NSFW: Definition and explanation of the Internet abbreviation

The Internet continues to develop its own language blooms. Among them is the abbreviation NSFW, which you may have already seen yourself. Our guide explains what's behind it.

Practical warning sign: NSFW is used to mark sensitive content.

NSFW comes from the English-speaking Internet, but is also used in other countries. It is therefore also worthwhile for German users to know the term.

NSFW: definition and purpose explained

On NSFW you need to know the following info:

• NSFW stands for "not safe for work".
• This refers to content that is better viewed only in private or unobserved. It is often visual content that at first glance reveals its salacious or violent character.
• Folglich NSFW is prefixed to many online content, so that users already know before opening the post that there is a certain risk behind it.
• The abbreviation is now well-known and widely used, and is used by users on social media content as well as in editorial posts.

By using NSFW yourself, you are thus doing other online users a favor by signaling that caution is advised.