You’ve likely encountered the acronym GF while texting, searching the internet or even in conversation. GF typically means “Girlfriend.” Although it is usually used in written form, it can be used in everyday speech. Explore more about the meaning and uses of GF.
GF as an Abbreviation
GF is an initialism, meaning that it’s pronounced as individual letters rather than as a word, that has taken on a life of its own in everyday language. GF is most commonly used to abbreviate “girlfriend.” The first recorded use of the term “girlfriend” was in 1859. It was used to refer to any friend that was female. In 1922, the term took on a more distinctly romantic meaning and became a way of describing a female partner throughout the 20th century.
With the continued rise of the internet and texting in the 21st century, terms like girlfriend were commonly abbreviated in textspeak. While the initial use of GF as an abbreviation of girlfriend is unknown, it has risen in popularity over the years to become a commonly recognized term.
Facts About Textspeak
Using shorthand and abbreviations increased in popularity with the rise of SMS texting. Back in the late 1990s and early 2000s, cell phones either did not have keyboards or each number on the phone was connected to three or four letters. Additionally, there was a character limit. Using abbreviations made communication easier and more efficient for early cell phone users, and acronyms and initialisms became the norm in text communication.
Other Meanings of GF
In addition to girlfriend, there are other notable meanings of GF that describe important people, places, things, and events in your life.
Gluten-Free
Grain-Free
Germ-Free
Good Friend
Guy Friend
Grandfather
Goals For
Go Figure
Examples and Usage of GF
GF can be used in various ways and instances to reference a girlfriend. People might use GF when talking about their girlfriends, either as romantic partners or as friends who are girls. Although the term is usually used by a younger demographic, anyone can use GF when texting. Here are some examples of GF in context.
My GF and I have been together for three years.
My GF is coming into town tonight.
When do I get to meet your GF?
My GF and I are planning to go out tonight.
Do you have a GF?
I’m getting the GFs together for a shopping trip.
My GF is amazing.
Related Abbreviations
Discover more abbreviations you can use to refer to your romantic partner, best friend or other important people in your life.
BAE - before anyone else, often used for a romantic partner
BBY - abbreviation of baby
BF - boyfriend or best friend
BFF - best friend forever
G/F - another way of writing girlfriend
GFND - abbreviation of girlfriend
GIRLFY - abbreviation of girlfriend
LOML - love of my life
LTR - long term relationship
SO - significant other
XBF - ex-boyfriend
XGF - ex-girlfriend