If you’ve ever been on social media, or in forums that may contain risque sexually explicit or offensive content you’ve probably seen the term, NSFW, that commonly refers to such content.
What is NSFW? NSFW signifies

NSFW is a reference to “not suitable at work.” This acronym is a standard warning to avoid internet content thought to be unsafe to view at work or at public.
A NSFW tag indicates an indication that, in the event that you’re not okay to have a conversation with your HR department. You must be wary of viewing this material on your work-related computer as well as in the company of others.
The NSFW tag started out as an attempt to warn people of sexual content, nakedness or violence, however, it has expanded to include an array of sensitive and possibly triggering information for viewers.
NSFW is usually affixed, with a great deal of care in any link or image, even if it’s not innocuous from a contextual perspective that may cause a ruckus. For instance, a post that talks about cleanliness on Reddit could add the NSFW tag on a picture of a soiled toilet.
In the case of Reddit the social media platform is among the most popular places to find use the NSFW tag. There are also instances of NSFW utilized more casually or in a way, such as near the beginning of an Facebook post or more formally, as it’s used in a whole.
What is NSFL? NSFL is
In the world of internet-based media, you can find images and videos that go beyond NSFW explicit content that is often more graphic and troubling. However, there’s an “not suitable for human consumption” (NSFL) label that gives an enhanced trigger warning.
While watching NSFW content could make you embarrassed or result in you being disciplined, NSFL images or videos can cause a lot of stress or cause severe distress to you. Examples of NSFL material could include an image where the person’s death was recorded on film or a picture which isn’t violent but is graphic in its own way, for instance, medical procedures.
What is SFW? SFW signifies
There are also occasions when you will come across online content bearing the “safe for use” (SFW) indication. Usually, these tags are placed on posts with titles that appear NSFW in their nature but aren’t.
You might find an example of a Reddit post that includes an image that reads, “I got poison ivy in the most opportune place” …” with an SFW tag that indicates the body part of the image isn’t graphic by way and is generally acceptable to view in the presence of other people.