DTF - meaning and definition
Definition
A blunt abbreviation meaning someone is interested in having sex, usually soon and casually.
At a glance
- A blunt way to signal interest in casual sex, usually soon.
- Many people find it too forward, especially as an opening line.
- Reception varies a lot between apps and communities.
- Saying you are DTF is never blanket consent; consent is specific and can be withdrawn.
In detail
DTF is informal and fairly direct. In a profile it signals interest in casual sex; in a message it is often a question about whether the other person is. Many people find it too forward as an opening line, so its reception varies a lot between apps and communities.
Saying you are DTF is not a blanket agreement to anything. Consent is specific to a person, a time and an activity, and it can be withdrawn at any point.
In a sentence
- Please don't open with 'DTF?', at least say hello first.
- Her profile said she was not interested in DTF messages, so I asked about her hiking photos instead.
Where the word comes from
DTF circulated as informal slang in the 2000s and became widely known around 2010 after it was used repeatedly on a popular US reality television show.
Common questions
Is it rude to send 'DTF?' as a first message?
Many people find it rude or off-putting, and on many apps it may get you blocked. An ordinary greeting and an honest statement of what you are looking for usually lands better.
If someone says they are DTF, have they consented?
No. Interest in casual sex is not consent to a particular act with a particular person at a particular time. Consent has to be given in the moment and can be withdrawn at any point.