What does RTFM mean?
Definitions for RTFM
rtfm
This dictionary definitions page includes all the possible meanings, example usage and translations of the word RTFM.
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Wikipedia
RTFM
RTFM is an initialism and internet slang for the expression "read the fucking manual" – typically used to reply to a basic question where the answer is easily found in the documentation, user guide, owner's manual, man page, online help, internet forum, software documentation or FAQ. Usage is variously viewed as a pointed reminder of etiquette to try to find a solution before posting to a mass forum or email alias; helping a noob to improve themselves; as a useless response; or as a hostile and elitist response. Polite usages would mention where one has looked when asking a question, and to provide an exact location or link where exactly to RTFM. In expurgated texts, substitutions such as "read the frickn' manual", "read the factory manual", "read the field manual", "read the flaming manual", "read the fine manual", "read the friendly manual", "read the [pause] manual" or similar variants are used.If there is no appropriate content in the manual but the answer is frequently seen in the forum, a similar response might be to Lurk moar, meaning to observe the forum for a time before asking questions.
Wikidata
RTFM
RTFM is an initialism for the expression "Read The Fucking Manual" or, in the context of a Unix environment, "Read The Fucking Man page". The RTFM instruction is sometimes given in response to a question when the person being asked believes that the question could be easily answered by reading the relevant user's manual or instructions. In expurgated texts, substitutions such as "read the flaming manual" or "read the friendly manual" are used. Initialisms similar to RTFM include GIYF and LMGTFY. These indicate that the item under question can easily be researched on the World Wide Web. Many alternative expansions for "RTFM" exist, as do many similarly themed alternative initialisms.
The New Hacker's Dictionary
RTFM
[Unix] Abbreviation for ‘Read The Fucking Manual’. 1. Used by gurus to brush off questions they consider trivial or annoying. Compare Don't do that then!. 2. Used when reporting a problem to indicate that you aren't just asking out of randomness. “No, I can't figure out how to interface Unix to my toaster, and yes, I have RTFM.” Unlike sense 1, this use is considered polite. See also FM, RTFAQ, RTFB, RTFS, STFW, RTM, all of which mutated from RTFM, and compare UTSL.
Suggested Resources
RTFM
What does RTFM stand for? -- Explore the various meanings for the RTFM acronym on the Abbreviations.com website.
Numerology
Chaldean Numerology
The numerical value of RTFM in Chaldean Numerology is: 9
Pythagorean Numerology
The numerical value of RTFM in Pythagorean Numerology is: 3
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"RTFM." Definitions.net. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 18 Apr. 2024. <https://www.definitions.net/definition/RTFM>.
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