What Does 'PDF File' Mean On TikTok? The Slang Version Of 'PDF File' Explained

"Unalive," "seggs" and "corn" are all examples of what's called "algospeak," a type of internet slang that's arisen because the computers that run Google, TikTok and many other major hubs (and overlords) of the internet will come to your house and unalive you if you use words like "kill" in your online content (not really, but your reach and monetization will get severely limited).

Another one of these bizarre terms that's sprung up recently is "PDF File," which we'll explain here, but honestly, you can probably guess what it's supposed to stand for if you say "PDF File" quickly.

What Does "PDF File" Mean In Slang?

That's right folks, "PDF File" is algospeak for "pedophile," and the mere act of using that word will likely bury this article five pages deep when you Google "What does 'PDF File' mean?"

Such is the current state of the internet and online content, as it's grown increasingly difficult to discuss anything that wouldn't appear in a Cocomelon video without risking the wrath of cosmic algorithmic overlords thanks to the whims of advertisers over the last several years.

When Did "PDF File" Begin?

The use of "PDF File" started a bit before algospeak became a necessity for anyone chatting online. It was initially a simple gag and was used in ironic memes in which a person expressed confusion about someone (usually their uncle) getting arrested for being a "PDF FIle."

However, over the course of the 2020s so far, "PDF File" went from ironic meme to internet staple as platforms like TikTok became more of a site for news discussion and their content moderation rules became more esoteric.

Now, the term is inescapable. In a sort of ironic twist, there's lots of content on TikTok about "exposing" and "catching" "PDF Files," but no one on the platform can use the actual word lest their content get demonetized and squashed.

For the full history of PDF File, be sure to check out Know Your Meme's encyclopedia entry for more information.