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“>tfw no gf” meme: meaning, origin and rare card

The >tfw no gf meme expresses the sadness and loneliness of being single using 4chan's greentext format.

MyMemeCards editorial teamPublished 8 min read
>tfw no gf meme
The “>tfw no gf” meme, 2010

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In MyMemeCards, the meme card game, “>tfw no gf” is a rare card of the Memes World series 70, number 20997 of the collection, and the 203rd best-known meme of its 243 cards. Here is what the meme means, where it comes from, and how to get its card.

What does the “>tfw no gf” meme mean?

This format communicates existential distress related to lacking a romantic partner. It transforms a personal embarrassing or sad situation into an ironic collective complaint. Users project their own melancholy to create an empathetic bond with others feeling socially or romantically isolated.

Where does the “>tfw no gf” meme come from?

The expression originated on 4chan, specifically in the /jp/ thread dedicated to otaku culture. The earliest archived occurrence dates back to September 23, 2010, as « >that feel when no gf ». The initial context aimed to share loneliness feelings common among anime fan communities. On February 23, 2011, the message was paired with the That Feel Guy image on the /a/ board. This visual combination strengthened the emotional impact of the text. The abbreviation « tfw » quickly became standard. The precise origin before this date remains unknown according to available archives.

  1. September 23, 2010First archived appearance of the full text in a 4chan /jp/ thread.
  2. February 23, 2011Official pairing of the phrase with the That Feel Guy image on the /a/ board.

How to use the “>tfw no gf” meme

  • Use this meme to comment on a photo showing someone eating alone in a crowded restaurant.
  • Share a That Feel Guy image with the text to react to a close friend's new public relationship.
  • Employ the greentext phrase in an online discussion to signal despair after a recent romantic failure.

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  • greentext sadness meme

The “>tfw no gf” card in MyMemeCards

>tfw no gf card
NumberNo. 20997
RarityRare
CollectionMemes World series 70
Fame75/100 · #203 of 243
Recycle value10 MemeCoins (30 in Shiny)
Rarities of the Memes World series 70: 243 cards
  • Common197.8%
  • Rare197.8%
  • Epic19580%
  • Legendary62.5%
  • Mythic41.6%

How to get the “>tfw no gf” card

Every pack holds 5 meme cards, the first 3 of them Common; >tfw no gf comes out of the Memes World series 70 as a rare card. The pack odds say what each rarity weighs.

Your first pack is free and needs no account. After that a new free pack lands every 10 minutes, up to 3 waiting for you. You can also buy the card with MemeCoins on the market, bid for it at auction, or trade it — and a double recycles into 10 MemeCoins.

Open your free pack

5 meme cards, one of them at least Rare. One free pack per person.

Free · no account needed

Odds per card, averaged over a pack: Common 72%, Rare 23.9%, Epic 3.2%, Legendary 0.56%, Mythic 0.3%, Full Art ≤ 0.1%, Shiny 0.2%. Cards 1 to 3 are always Common, cards 4 and 5 climb the rarities. Rates drop for cards that circulate a lot. Details

Memes like “>tfw no gf”

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Frequently asked questions

What does tfw no gf mean?

It stands for « that feel when no girlfriend ». It is an expression of sadness related to being single.

Who is That Feel Guy?

He is a character from an old YouTube video who became an internet icon for representing melancholy and romantic disappointment.

Where did the >tfw no gf meme come from?

It comes from 4chan, appearing initially in September 2010 in threads about Japanese culture before gaining popularity.

What does tfw exactly stand for?

It usually means « that feel when », although some interpret it as « that face when ».

How do I get the >tfw no gf meme card?

Open a pack of MyMemeCards: “>tfw no gf” is a rare card of the Memes World series 70. Your first pack is free, with no account, and you can also buy, trade or win the card at auction.

How rare is the >tfw no gf card?

It is a Rare card. Rarity decides which pack slot can deal it, and what it is worth on the market.

Sources: >tfw no gf | Know Your Meme · WE ALL KNOW THAT FEEL... | >tfw no gf - Know Your Meme · What Is 'TFW' And How Can You Use It Properly? Here's The ... · checked on October 11, 2026.

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