Not safe for work

This article is about the Internet slang. For the 2014 film, see Not Safe For Work (film). For the 2015 television series, see Not Safe For Work (TV series).
"NSFW" redirects here. For other uses, see NSFW (disambiguation).
"Work safe" redirects here. For work safety, see Occupational safety and health.

Not safe for work (NSFW) is Internet slang or shorthand used to mark links to content, videos, or website pages the viewer may not wish to be seen viewing in a public, formal, or controlled environment. The marked content may contain graphic violence, pornography, profanity, nudity, slurs, or other potentially disturbing subject matter. Environments that may be problematic include workplaces, schools, and family settings.[1][2] NSFW has particular relevance for people trying to make personal use of the Internet at workplaces or schools that have policies prohibiting access to sexual and graphic subject matter.[3] Conversely, safe for work (SFW) is used for links that do not contain such material,[4] especially where the title might otherwise lead people to think that the content is NSFW.[5]

The similar expression not safe for life (NSFL) is also used,[6][7][8] referring to content which is so nauseating or disturbing that it might be emotionally scarring to view. Links marked NSFL may contain fetish pornography, gore, or murder.[9]

Some websites, such as Reddit and OnlyFans, give users the option to designate their content as NSFW in order to warn others of its inappropriate nature.[10]

  1. ^ "The Meaning of NSFW and How to Use It". Lifewire. Archived from the original on 2018-10-21. Retrieved 2018-10-21.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  2. ^ "NSFW Meaning. What does NSFW mean?". MyEnglishTeacher.eu Blog. 2017-12-29. Archived from the original on 2018-10-21. Retrieved 2018-10-21.
  3. ^ "How Not To Get Caught Looking at NSFW Content on the Job". Complex. Archived from the original on 2018-10-21. Retrieved 2018-10-21.
  4. ^ What is SFW (Safe for Work) from Computer Hope
  5. ^ "Check out this Reddit thread dedicated to the hottest sex stories". Happy Mag. 2021-01-19. Retrieved 2021-01-19.
  6. ^ "How to watch NSFW/NSFL content safely and discreetly". Mindanao Times. February 14, 2024. Retrieved November 16, 2024.
  7. ^ Pullen, John Patrick; Citizen, Jessica (June 17, 2016) [May 3, 2012]. "116 Teen Text Terms Decoded for Confused Parents". Time. Retrieved November 16, 2024.
  8. ^ Martinez, Fidel (June 1, 2021). "The shock and aww of Reddit's 50/50". The Daily Dot. Retrieved November 16, 2024.
  9. ^ "Reddit Basics". reddit.zendesk.com. Archived from the original on 10 December 2019. Retrieved 17 September 2019.
  10. ^ "Reddiquette". Reddit Help. Retrieved 2022-03-21.