President Donald Trump recently turned heads with a striking post on Truth Social, criticising Colombian President Gustavo Petro over Colombia’s refusal to accept U.S. military planes carrying deported migrants. Trump’s post, which featured a vintage gangster-style image and the acronym ‘FAFO,’ underscored his frustration with Colombia’s decision, framing it as a direct challenge to U.S. sovereignty and policy. The term ‘FAFO,’ short for ‘F— around and find out,’ added a sass to his message that took the Internet by surprise, with netizens being quick to react. 

According to media reports, the diplomatic spat began when Colombia rejected the landing of U.S. military aircraft transporting about 80 deported Colombian migrants. The flights were part of a U.S. repatriation process, but Colombia’s refusal has escalated tensions between the two nations. In response, Trump announced plans for punitive measures, including tariffs starting at 25% on all Colombian imports, with the potential to increase to 50% if the matter remains unresolved. Colombia, in turn, threatened to impose similar tariffs on U.S. imports, deepening the standoff.

While Trump’s post reignited discussions about his ‘America First’ approach to foreign policy, it also brought the acronym FAFO into the spotlight, prompting many to ask: What does it mean, and where did it come from?

What is FAFO?

FAFO, an acronym for ‘F— around and find out,’ is a slang term used to signify that actions have consequences. It’s the verbal equivalent of saying, ‘If you mess with the bull, you get the horns.’ The phrase has been used in various contexts to warn people about the repercussions of reckless or provocative behaviour. 

The term gained mainstream traction through memes and internet culture in the late 2010s but has older roots. According to Urban Dictionary, one of the earliest mentions of FAFO was linked to biker terminology, though its broader use has evolved significantly. The Washington Post traced its origin to African American Vernacular English (AAVE) and noted its growing usage in political discourse, particularly as it became popular on social media platforms.

FAFO in politics

FAFO’s political relevance has surged in recent years, especially during high-stakes moments. For example, during the 2024 U.S. presidential election, Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner used a censored version of the phrase in a press conference, warning against attempts to disrupt the electoral process. Krasner’s pointed remark— ‘F around and find out’—was directed at anyone planning to interfere with voting in Philadelphia.

Similarly, former Democratic congressman Bakari Sellers invoked the phrase on CNN’s This Morning, describing the potential consequences of Donald Trump’s second term. Sellers used FAFO as a shorthand for the chaos many believe could unfold, referencing the unpredictability of Trump’s first term.

Cultural evolution of FAFO

FAFO’s cultural footprint extends beyond politics. It became the word of the year in 2022, following Elon Musk’s use of the term in response to Kanye West’s suspension from Twitter (now X) for posting offensive content. Since then, it has permeated platforms like TikTok, where users have applied the term to everything from political commentary to humorous everyday situations. 

Despite its recent popularity, FAFO has been a staple of internet culture for years, often used in memes to encapsulate the idea that actions—especially reckless ones—inevitably lead to consequences. What began as a colloquial warning has transformed into a catchphrase for asserting authority, drawing boundaries, or expressing frustration with perceived overreach.