FWIW stands for “for what it's worth”, roughly “in case this helps”: fwiw, I used that bag for three years and the zip never broke. It adds an opinion or a fact without insisting on it. Worth has nothing to do with money here. It's chat and forum language; in an email, write it in full.
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fwiw = for what it's worth; fwiw, + information / opinion
- fwiw, I used that bag for three years and the zip never broke
- I liked your first version better, fwiw.
- fwiw, there's another entrance on the east side
What changed
First versionFor what is worth, I liked your first version better.
RevisionFor what it's worth, I liked your first version better.
Spoken quickly, for what it's worth and for what is worth sound almost the same, so it gets lost. But the phrase needs a subject: for what it's worth, that is, for what it is worth.
FYI simply passes on information. FWIW admits it might not be useful. IMO is only for opinions, while FWIW also introduces facts: fwiw, there's another entrance on the east side.
Your turn
I don't know whether this will help, but ___, the smaller suitcase fitted under my seat.
Show the answer
fwiw — The writer isn't sure their suitcase experience will help and shares it just in case, so fwiw. BRB means “be right back” and doesn't fit.
A friend is choosing a backpack or a route. Share one fact from your experience with fwiw, without turning it into firm advice.
fwiw, the morning ferry was much quieter when we went last month
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