Fn

Fn is a simple way to abbreviate "fine" online and in messages. People most often use it to say, "that's fine," (as in "OK") in response to a statement or question.

For example, if your SO asks whether you're okay with having Chinese food for dinner, and Chinese is okay by you, you could answer with a simple "yup, tht's fn."

People might also use fn while discussing the relative attractiveness of hotties and notties. In this case, fn means "attractive." For example, your friend might say, "Check out that fn man at the door."

On a computer keyboard, "fn" is an abbreviation for "function," which refers to the function modifier key. The key adds extra functionality to a keyboard by allowing users to type other dual-purpose keys to perform specific functions, such as lowering the volume or adjusting screen brightness.

You will likely see fn on smaller keyboards (often laptops, Chromebooks, and Apple keyboards) where functionality traditionally found on larger keyboards is condensed, which means keys serve multiple purposes when the fn key is pressed. For example, when you type the fn key in conjunction with one of the several "F" keys (often ranging from F1 to F12 or F1 to F19) located along the top of the keyboard, you can access the secondary function of the key.

Additionally, fn keys differ based on the computer settings and keyboard manufacturers. For example, the location of the fn key is different between a Windows laptop and a keyboard for an Apple computer. Fn keys may also be color-coded or have other capabilities mapped to the keys.

Fn key on Apple keyboards

Apple keyboards typically do not require you to type the fn key with the corresponding function key like other keyboards. Instead, the key's capability is reflected by its icon.

For example, the F4 key on a MacBook key has a magnifying glass icon that opens the "Spotlight Search" function when typed. In this case, typing the fn key with F4 accesses a different capability than what the icon shows.

FN stands for "Fabrique Nationale," which is part of "Fabrique Nationale Herstal" (French for "National Factory Herstal"), a prominent manufacturer of firearms out of Belgium. Gun enthusiasts are most likely to use "FN." They may utter it aloud or use it online when discussing their favorite firearms or clarifying the firearm type.

For example, someone may tweet, "I can't wait to get my new FN firearm next week. Looking forward to trying it out at the range!" Or, you may be in a firearm forum online and post, "What's the best firearm I should start with? Is FN a good manufacturer?"