What is WTF?

WTF in an email response is a very strong way of expressing surprise, frustration, anger, or confusion. It stands for "What the F@ck" and is considered vulgar and profane.
Here's why it's not a good idea to use WTF in an email:

• Unprofessional: It can damage your reputation and make you seem immature in a professional setting.
• Misinterpretation: The recipient might not understand your exact meaning and take it the wrong way.
• Alternatives: There are many other ways to express your feelings in a professional manner.

​

Here are some alternatives you can use depending on the situation:

• Surprise: "Wow, that's unexpected!" or "I'm surprised to hear that."
• Frustration: "This is frustrating." or "I'm having some trouble understanding this."
• Anger: (Avoid expressing anger in an email if possible, but if you must) "I am very disappointed to hear this."
• Confusion: "I'm not sure I understand what you mean here. Can you please clarify?"

All that said, it’s really a generational thing. The millennials and Gen Z see it as a simple way to say many, many things like: Huh? Really? You’re kidding, check out what happened here?

How to reply to WTF?
WTF is a perfect rhetorical question that requires no answer. Just smile and nod, knowingly. You could say “IKR????” As in I know right??? That shites crazy!!” or you could say “SMH" which means “shaking my head in disbelief or disappointment".

​Ep195