NSA - meaning and definition
Alsono strings attachedno strings funstrings-free
Definition
Short for "no strings attached": a casual sexual or romantic connection with no expectation of commitment or ongoing obligations.
At a glance
- Signals interest in something casual without relationship expectations.
- Usually implies no exclusivity, regular contact or meeting each other's friends and family.
- Honesty, safer sex and respect for boundaries still apply.
- Either person can change their mind at any point.
In detail
In a dating profile, NSA means the person is looking for something casual, usually physical, without the expectations that come with a relationship such as exclusivity, regular contact or meeting friends and family.
"No strings" does not mean no care or no rules. Honesty about intentions, safer sex and respecting each other's boundaries still apply, and either person can change their mind at any point.
In a sentence
- Recently out of a long relationship, looking for NSA for now.
- Just so we're on the same page, I'm after something NSA, not a partner.
Not to be confused with
- NSA (US National Security Agency)
Outside dating contexts the same letters usually refer to the US intelligence agency.
Common questions
Does NSA mean there are no rules?
No. It means no relationship expectations, not no care. Being honest about what you want, agreeing on safer sex and respecting each other's limits still matter, and either person can stop or change their mind.
Is NSA the same as FWB?
They overlap. NSA stresses the absence of commitment and can be a one-off or occasional thing. FWB usually means an existing friendship that also has a casual sexual side.