FTR

FTR is an acronym commonly used in online communities, book clubs, and fandoms to describe someone who is experiencing a story, book, or series for the first time. It originated in Internet forums and social media, where fans of long-running franchises or literary works often discuss their experiences and impressions.

The acronym is meant to be a playful and welcoming way to distinguish newcomers to a piece of media (although some use it disparagingly), acknowledging that their perspective is fresh and unspoiled by prior knowledge or plot twists. For example, an FTR might share their reactions chapter by chapter, leading to lively discussions as veteran readers compare notes or tease upcoming surprises without giving too much away.

You will likely see FTR in fan-driven spaces like Reddit, Tumblr, TikTok, or book blogs, where users enjoy reliving the experience of discovering a story through the eyes of someone new. It often fosters a sense of community, where FTRs and experienced readers can connect over a shared enthusiasm for a story.

Ftr is a simple way to abbreviate "after" that removes the vowels. People typically use it in messages, whether they are texts or social DMs.

For example, your friend may text you, "lets get food ftr this. im so hungry." Or, your spouse may message you, "ftr im done with work im gonna go for a swim. luv u!"

Remember that ftr is an obscure abbreviation, so most people won't know what it means. They may also confuse it with the "FTR" acronym, which stands for "for the record" (especially if used at the beginning of a sentence).