Your teammate stops moving. The character stands still, vulnerable. In chat, you type "afk?" No response. AFK means "away from keyboard." It is a warning, an excuse, and sometimes a lie. The term comes from early text-based games and chat rooms. If you needed to leave, you typed AFK so others would not think you were ignoring them.

In online games, AFK is a problem. A player who leaves mid-match ruins the team. Some games kick AFK players automatically after a few minutes. Others report them. In casual settings, AFK is harmless. In ranked matches, it is sabotage. The acronym has also spread to real life. "I'm AFK for lunch" means "I'm stepping away."

Variations

• AFK farm: gaining rewards while not actively playing.
• AFK check: a prompt that requires a response to prove you are present.
• BRB: be right back, a shorter absence.
• Bio break: a polite way to say you need the bathroom.

Some players fake AFK to ambush opponents. In a game like Fortnite, standing still can be a trap. The term is neutral. The intent is not. Context tells you whether your teammate is in trouble or setting a trap.