The internet gave rise to unique lingo and jargon from day one. In fact, new acronyms and terms continue to reach mainstream status. Internet users long ago coined the term NSFW, and it’s one of the best-known acronyms today. NSFW developed from a separate term in the Snopes.com forums back in the late 1990s. From there, the term became so widespread and popular Merriam-Webster added it to the dictionary.

What Does NSFW Stand For?

As an acronym, NSFW means “Not Safe For Work” and means something shouldn’t be viewed at work. The internet contains millions of websites, images, and videos that employers don’t want accessed on workplace computers. Most NSFW content isn’t illegal or objectionable to the general public. However, such content doesn’t suit a professional environment, like a workplace or academic setting.

Common examples of NSFW content include pornography, depictions of violence, and even crude humor. In some cases, a given workplace might include political and religious content as NSFW. Content doesn’t need to be offensive or illegal in order to be considered “Not Safe For Work”. Of course, both types of content should be considered NSFW regardless of that fact.

Employers often filter websites and computers for NSFW content. They can install various software to block access to this content. Typically, filters work by blocking common websites that contain NSFW content. Strict network and internet monitoring also allows employers to keep such content off their computers. If a workplace wants to maintain a professional environment, then basic filtering software is installed on all computers.

How Is The Term NSFW Used?

Nonetheless, software filters won’t catch everything considering NSFW. Far too much content could be labeled as NSFW in certain workplaces and not others. Even on an individual level judgements of such content could be different. Plus, many employees use their work emails to share content to their coworkers, whether humorous or personal. Sticking an NSFW label before a link lets the recipient know to be cautious.

Any mention of NSFW indicates to the potential viewer they shouldn’t access the content in front of everyone. The degree of how NSFW content is doesn’t necessarily matter here. By including a note about NSFW, most recipients know to be cautious about viewing links or images. They won’t open the content with managers or bosses behind them, for example. It’s a simple note to let the recipient know to treat content as sensitive.

Then again, the NSFW doesn’t always apply to workplace usage. People often add NSFW tags to websites, emails, and forum posts. NSFW lets viewers know content could be questionable or offensive to some people. For example, images could be blurred on sites like Reddit with the NSFW tag. This helps people avoid seeing content they could find offensive or unpleasant to view.

NSFW: An Acronym With Over 20 Years of Usage

In the end, people of all ages use “Not Safe For Work” on websites and emails. The term developed on forums starting in 1998, making NSFW over 20 years-old. Most internet users tend to know what the acronym stands for, including young and old users alike. For that reason, NSFW is a mainstream term across multiple generations of internet users. Considering how much NSFW content exists online, the term won’t disappear anytime soon.