FNG

FNG is an initialism most often encountered in English-language slang. It stands for “fucking new guy” (though some uses opt for milder variants such as “friggin’ new guy”). The term refers to a newcomer or inexperienced member within a group, and is commonly found in military, paramilitary, law enforcement, and gaming contexts. It describes someone who lacks experience or familiarity with the procedures, routines, or culture of a unit, and its tone can be pejorative, joking, or mildly affectionate depending on context.

Origin and usage of the term are informal and diffuse. It emerged within mid- to late-20th-century American military slang and spread into related communities through films, literature, and online culture. While its exact origins are not well documented, FNG became a recognizable label for new recruits or players who have not yet earned the group’s respect or cohesion.

Connotations of FNG vary by environment. In some settings, it signals camaraderie through rough humor and hazing as part of integration; in others, it can reinforce hierarchy or exclusion. Because the phrase can be offensive or disrespectful, its use depends on audience, setting, and relationships among speakers.

Related terms include rookie, greenhorn, and newbie. FNG also appears in video games and online communities as a self-deprecating or humorous identifier for a newcomer. In contemporary usage, awareness of respectful language has led some to avoid or soften its impact in mixed company.