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“WTF meme” meme: meaning, origin and rare card

The acronym WTF stands for an iconic expression of disbelief originating on Usenet in 1985.

MyMemeCards editorial teamPublished 7 min read
WTF meme meme
The “WTF meme” meme, 1985

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In MyMemeCards, the meme card game, “WTF meme” is a rare card of the Memes World series 72, number 21410 of the collection, and the 72nd best-known meme of its 300 cards. Here is what the meme means, where it comes from, and how to get its card.

What does the “WTF meme” meme mean?

This abbreviation captures raw astonishment mixed with frustration. It signals that the viewer finds something illogical or offensive. People use it to reject confusing information or to express strong disagreement. It acts as an immediate emotional filter against nonsense.

Where does the “WTF meme” meme come from?

The phrase emerged from early internet culture, specifically within Usenet discussion groups. The first documented instance occurred on May 18, 1985. User Jay Fields wrote 'W.T.F.?' in the net.micro.mac group after encountering unexpected computer code. Another early record exists from October 31, 1985. Dick Dunn used the term in net.music.gdead while discussing Grateful Dead lyrics. These facts prove the term predates modern video platforms significantly. It survived technological shifts to become a web staple.

  1. 1985First known written appearance on Usenet via Jay Fields in net.micro.mac.
  2. 1985Another verified instance appears on October 31 by Dick Dunn in net.music.gdead.

How to use the “WTF meme” meme

  • React to confusing tech news by appending the acronym to show your skepticism.
  • Use this shorthand in debates to highlight the absurdity of an illogical claim.
  • Add the expression to a video comment to firmly reject shocking or unreasonable content.

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  • history of wtf acronym

The “WTF meme” card in MyMemeCards

WTF card
NumberNo. 21410
RarityRare
CollectionMemes World series 72
Fame69/100 · #72 of 300
Recycle value10 MemeCoins (30 in Shiny)
Rarities of the Memes World series 72: 300 cards
  • Rare300100%

How to get the “WTF meme” card

Every pack holds 5 meme cards, the first 3 of them Common; WTF meme comes out of the Memes World series 72 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 “WTF meme”

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Frequently asked questions

WTF meme origin?

The acronym comes from Usenet around 1985. It did not originate from a viral video but from early text-based internet discussions.

What does WTF mean?

It stands for What the fuck. It is an exclamation of surprise, anger, or confusion regarding something weird or shocking.

Who invented WTF?

No single person created it. Jay Fields and Dick Dunn used the phrase independently in 1985 on Usenet forums.

WTF true or false?

The term is real and historical. It dates back to the early days of the internet and is not a recent social media invention.

How do I get the WTF meme meme card?

Open a pack of MyMemeCards: “WTF meme” is a rare card of the Memes World series 72. Your first pack is free, with no account, and you can also buy, trade or win the card at auction.

How rare is the WTF meme card?

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

Sources: WTF - Know Your Meme · The inherent ambiguity of "WTF" · TF | Acronyms - Dictionary.com · checked on October 13, 2026.

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