Donald Trump vs Colombia Tariff War: What is meaning of viral phrase 'FAFO'?

Amid the ongoing tariff war with Colombia, US President Donald Trump posted a photo that has sparked significant interest in a particular phrase. The term FAFO went viral after Trump’s photo showed it written in red on a placard. The photo gained even more attention when Elon Musk, who heads the Department of Government Efficiency in the Trump administration, retweeted it with the caption, “This is awesome.”

The phrase, which is not exactly a slur, has been used on several occasions to deliver a pointed warning. The acronym stands for “F* around, find out”** and is commonly used to caution against actions that could have serious consequences. Trump’s use of the term in his photo underscores his tough stance on the issue of deportation flights to Colombia.

The phrase has gained significant traction, particularly among TikTok users. It conveys a sentiment similar to sayings like “stirring a hornet’s nest and getting stung” or “messing with the bull and getting the horns.” Essentially, it serves as a warning about the negative consequences of one’s actions.

FAFO became word of the year in 2022. A staple of the internet culture, FAFO has often been used in memes as a popular catchphrase. The US and Colombia have been at loggerhead since Bogota first blocked the deportation flights. However, after the threat of 50% tariff, Colombia agreed to permit the landing of military planes.  Trump, who has made promise of sending back all the illegal immigrants, has said that 'this is just the beginning.'