It all started with a typo. At some point in the past someone hit the p instead of the o when typing own, most likely in a taunt after compromising a server. It became part of leetspeak and then got adopted by gamers.
It all started with a typo. At some point in the past someone hit the p instead of the o when typing own, most likely in a taunt after compromising a server. It became part of leetspeak and then got adopted by gamers.
I've only ever heard it used as "for the win." For instance, my friend texted me the other day: "Thanks for suggesting that new restaurant-- penne alfredo FTW!"
I believe it evolved out of gamer culture, much like "woot!" which is an acronym for "we own (the) other team."
Well, you learn something new every day! I assumed "Woot!" was just a whoop of happiness, like "Whoo-hoo!" or "Yippee!" but with fewer letters, which makes it easier to type.
PWNOOBS!!! DH had a personalized license plate with this for about a year. He would have gamers giving him the thumbs up all the time. We were even in the Home Depot parking lot once and this younger kid and his mom walked past our car when we were just getting out and he said "oh mom, that's so cool!" When he first decided to get it, I didn't understand it at all. And my mom. When she saw it She said
As far as I'm aware, based on people I know who use it, it means 'for the win'. Though I haven't read any of the comments to see if it has multiple meanings.