wtf

Expand a given acronym

$ wtf [IMO]

$ wtf -t [comp] [WWW]

wtf [OPTION]... [TERM]...

-s source
    Specify an alternate data source file instead of the default.

-f format
    Specify an output format string. (Often for internal or advanced use, not commonly documented for end-users beyond this line.)

-r
    Display a random definition from the database. This option is mutually exclusive with providing TERM arguments.

TERM
    One or more initialisms, acronyms, or abbreviations to look up and define.

The wtf command is a utility designed to provide definitions for English language initialisms, acronyms, and abbreviations. It primarily consults a built-in dictionary, often derived from sources like the Jargon File, a comprehensive collection of slang and technical terms common in computer hacker culture. This tool is invaluable for deciphering obscure or domain-specific jargon encountered in various contexts, particularly within computing and related fields. When invoked with one or more term arguments, wtf searches for and displays their meanings. If no terms are provided, it typically displays a random entry from its database, offering a casual way to discover new terms. Unlike whatis or apropos, wtf focuses on general language and technical slang rather than manual page descriptions.

The accuracy and comprehensiveness of wtf's definitions depend entirely on the quality and recency of its underlying data source (e.g., the Jargon File version). It may not contain definitions for very new or highly specialized terms.

The definitions provided by wtf are primarily sourced from a digital dictionary, most notably the Jargon File (also known as the New Hacker's Dictionary). This file is a continuously updated collection of slang, technical terms, and cultural references used by computer programmers and hackers.

To look up a single term:
wtf RTFM
To get a random definition:
wtf -r
To look up multiple terms:
wtf GNU SSH

The wtf command is traditionally associated with BSD systems and is often included in bsdgames packages on Linux distributions. Its primary data source, the Jargon File, has a long history, originating in the early days of computing culture and evolving over decades to document hacker slang and technical terms. wtf provides a convenient command-line interface to access this rich lexicon.

jargon(7), man(1)