What does FYI mean?
FYI stands for for your information. It is used to share information that may be useful or interesting but does not necessarily require action.
FYI is commonly used in emails, messages and memos, often at the start of a note, as in FYI, the meeting has moved to 2 p.m. It has been used in business and government writing since at least the early 1900s and became especially popular in office culture during the 20th century.
In emails, people sometimes write FYI when forwarding a message to show that the recipient does not need to reply. It is usually pronounced as individual letters, F-Y-I.
Tone
FYI can sound neutral or helpful, but depending on context, it can also sound passive-aggressive, as if pointing out something the recipient should already know. Clear, polite wording helps avoid misunderstandings. Related abbreviations include FYR, for your reference, and NB, from the Latin nota bene, meaning note well.
Did You Know?
Internet RFCs, technical documents that define how the internet works, have a separate series called FYI documents, meant to provide general information.