FML Meaning, Examples & More

When children and teens text these days, they tend to use a lot of slang, abbreviations and colloquial expressions that don’t have literal, obvious meanings. They are only understood by fellow users of such slangs on social media. As a parent belonging to a different generation, it is quite possible not to under what the kids are saying at times.

So, when you see your teenager use something like “FML” in texting or on social media, what does it mean, where does it come from and is it alright for your child to use terms like this?

Part 1. What Does 'FML' Mean

FML is an acronym that expands to mean “fuck my life”. Kids often use this saying when they’re deeply upset about something that has happened to them.

It is an internet slang initialism that people use to show their dismay, frustration, or dissatisfaction at a state of things.

Sometimes, it is used at the conclusion of a negative story, one that ends in a bit of a downer.

Part 2. Where Does 'FML' Come From

The actual first use of “FML” is unknown but it started becoming commonly used in jokes that were told at the expense of oneself. It started being an entry in the Urban Dictionary in 2005.

There was also the creation of a popular blog called FMyLife, where users shared personal anecdotes that were somewhat funny and awkward and ended with the phrase “FML”.

Part 3. How Kids Use "FML" in Everyday Conversation

3.1. Examples of "FML" in sentences

“FML” is often used angrily or out of frustration but it can also be used humorously. It is sometimes used in a funny, self-deprecating manner instead of being angry at the situation. Here are some examples of “FML” used in sentences so you understand how they are used much better.

• I just know I flunked that physics test, FML.
• FML, I just shattered my phone screen.
• My Netflix subscription ended and I just have nothing to do. I’m so bored, FML.
• I just lost two hours, 30 minutes I’ll never get back watching that terrible movie, FML.
• You are telling me this little thing now costs forty dollars? FML!

3.2. Variations and related slang terms

FML is pretty much universally accepted as meaning “Fuck my life”, but can find some possible variations here and there. Some other possible versions include:

Forget my life. Funk my life. Feeling mighty low. Free my life. Fix my life. For my life.

Although these expressions all technically fit the acronym “FML”, they are highly uncommon and the most obvious meaning the phrase is used is still “Fuck my life”.

3.3. Social media usage and popular hashtags

“FML” is now popularly used by teens on social media platforms like Twitter, TikTok, Facebook, basically anywhere they can about themselves, things that happened to them and how they feel at the moment. Those sorts of posts are usually accompanied with hashtags containing the phrase “FML”, like:

• “Oh great 30mins more #EURO2024 #PORFRA #fml”
• “When you planned to knock off early on a Friday #FML #WarregoHwy ”

Part 4. How to Talk with Your Kid about Slang

First and foremost, as a parent, you must understand the teen slang that your children use before addressing it with them. But why is it so important to learn teen slang?

4.1. Importance of understanding teen slang

It Is important that you do not get left out of the loop when your kids are using slang in their conversations. You need to know what your kids are saying and what is being said to your kids as well. While a slang term like “FML” mostly hurts no one, other teenage slang terms could pose a threat to your teen, as it could indicate that they are talking about risky behaviors or communicating with possibly dangerous people.

You also need to understand them so as not to find yourself unable to communicate with your children. Understanding teen slang can help you maintain open communication with your child and ensure their safety. While it is important to trust, you should also make sure to give them the proper guidance and right tools to navigate the internet properly.

4.2. Tips and examples for starting a conversation about slang with your child

Here are some tips and examples for starting a conversation about slang with your child.

As mentioned earlier, the first thing is to be able to understand those slangs and if any inappropriate messages are being passed across, have an open conversation with your child on profanity and socially appropriate speaking. “FML”, for instance, clearly contains an expletive (that is, cussword), so it should be used with care so as not to offend whoever one is speaking to.

Teenagers usually don’t see the harm in using these slangs and they are technically not a violation. However, ensure to keep your children of the risk of the slangs affecting their vocabulary. This is because they need to interact appropriately and professionally in certain areas like with teachers and employers. You can be a model of appropriate language yourself and avoid using slangs and profanity to show your kids that vulgar language is unacceptable.

Part 5. Staying Informed About Teen Slang: Using Parental Control Apps to Monitor Your kid's Phone Activity

Having a parental control app will be very helpful for you to monitor any risks to your child on the internet and guard against them. You can monitor and control what your child does and says online and safeguard them from potential threats.

A highly effective monitoring app that you can use for this purpose is Msafely.

5.1 What is Msafely

Msafely is an avenue for phone monitoring and tracking. It allows its user to monitor everything they need to know on the target phone.

Msafely is a very capable monitoring app for you to keep an eye on the activities of your kids on their phones in order to keep track of the type of language they are using on the internet and guard against unsavory messages.

5.2. Key features of Msafely

•  Msafely can be used to monitor social media and messaging apps like Twitter, WhatsApp, Snapchat and also the SMS app on the target phone. It can also go through browser activity
• It can also track the phone calls made on the phone.
• Msafely can also take a look at the photos and videos on the phone, as well as check the contents backed up on the phone’s drive.
• The app possesses a real-time sync that allows you to monitor the activities on the target device as they are taking place.
• It also contains a stealth feature which keeps it fairly hidden and unnoticed on the target device.

5.3. Steps of using Msafely to monitor your kid's phone

Step 1. Register a Msafely account with a valid email.

Step 2. Select the type of device you want to connect to, whether iPhone or Android.

Step 3. Select a suitable plan and connect target phone with Msafely

Step 4. Go to your Msafely Control Panel to start tracking the target device.

Part 6. FAQs about FML

Q1. Is “FML” only used when angry or frustrated?

Not really, it can also be used in a funny way to exaggerate inconveniences and land a punchline to a self-deprecating joke or story.

Q2. Is “FML” considered offensive?

Yes, it can be offensive to some people because it obviously contains a strong cuss word. But it’s mostly informally among friends or on the internet.

Q3. Are there any less offensive alternatives to “FML”?

Yes, there are other less explicit options “Sucks to be me,” “My luck,” or “What a day.”

Q4. Can I use “FML” any time I want?

It is not advisable to use the slang “FML” at all times. This is because slangs, especially curse words are not appropriate in some contexts like professional settings or cultures where explicit language is prohibited.

Q5. Is there a way to use “FML” without swearing?

You can use the abbreviation “FML” itself without saying the full phrase, or opt for less explicit alternatives like “freak my life” or “forget my life.”

Part 7. Conclusion

It is necessary for you to understand slang like “FML” and stay on top of your children’s language and interactions with other people in real life and on social media. While they are not all quite harmful, it’s important for you to be aware of the slang your children use to ensure their guidance and safety online.

Using parental control apps can be a great tool to help you monitor your kids’ phone activities and create a safe environment. When you are active, you as a parent can better ensure your kid’s healthy and respectful use of language.