Fastforwarded

Fastforwarded is a verb form derived from the phrasal verb fast-forward, meaning to move forward through time or content at an accelerated rate. In written English, it commonly appears as fast-forwarded with a hyphen (fast-forwarded), while some writers, especially in informal or digital contexts, may render it as fastforwarded or fast forwarded. The choice of closed versus hyphenated form varies by style guide and medium.

In media contexts, fastforwarded describes skipping ahead in video, audio, or live streams. For example, someone might fastforwarded a movie to reach a specific scene, or a recording might be fastforwarded to the end. It can also describe increasing playback speed, as in fast-forwarding a clip at 2x or 4x speed. The term is often used descriptively or narratively to indicate bypassing parts of content rather than playing them in real time.

Metaphorically, fastforwarded can extend beyond media playback to describe rapid progression of events or processes. For instance, a timeline or plot may be described as fastforwarded when key developments occur in quick succession. This usage conveys the sense of time or sequence being compressed rather than slowed.

Etymology and usage notes: fast-forward is a compound of fast (rapid) and forward (toward the front). The past tense forms are fast-forwarded or fast-forwarded, with the closed form fastforwarded emerging in casual writing. When writing, choose hyphenation consistent with the surrounding style, and prefer explicit hyphenation for formal or edited text. Related terms include fast forward (as a noun or verb) and fast-forwarding (the gerund).