Decode Acronyms With wtf
Look up the meaning of computer acronyms and jargon in the shell.
Run wtf isp to print the common expansions of that acronym.
01Command
Command
$ wtf isp02What it does
wtf reads a bundled dictionary of computing acronyms and slang and prints possible expansions, which is useful when reading old source, RFCs or mailing-list threads. Run it without arguments for a random term.
03Risk
!Warning: The database is informal and sometimes humorous, so treat the expansions as a memory aid rather than an authority.
04Undo
✓No undo needed — this command does not change persistent state.
05Sources
- Debian package: bsdgamesEvidence: Installs bsdgames, which includes the wtf acronym expander.
- wtf(6) — Debian manpageEvidence: Documents wtf, which expands acronyms and jargon.
Last verified: 2026-09-20 · Category: Developer
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