ftm

Abbreviation with 2 meanings

ftm
Stands forFathom
Meanings2
CategoriesUnits & Measurements, Texting & Internet Slang
Also writtenFTM

ftm has two meanings. It stands for Fathom (US customary and imperial unit) or First-time mom (parenting forum).

Meanings of ftm at a glance

#ftm stands forContext
1FathomUnits & Measurements › US Customary and Imperial Unit
2First-time momTexting & Internet Slang › Parenting Forum

1. Fathom

Units & Measurements · US Customary and Imperial Unit Abbreviations

Six feet, about 1.83 meters, the traditional unit of water depth. Older US and British nautical charts give soundings in fathoms, and the word appears throughout sailing and fishing.

Example: The chart shows 12 ftm over the reef, plenty of water for the boat.

From Old English faethm, the span of a person's outstretched arms, which sailors used when hauling in a weighted sounding line. Modern charts increasingly show depths in meters, so the chart legend should be checked. Mark Twain's pen name comes from the riverboat call for two fathoms, "mark twain".

2. First-time mom (FTM)

Texting & Internet Slang · Parenting Forum Abbreviations

Mother expecting or raising her first child, as in "FTM, due in March, any tips?" Common on pregnancy apps and parenting forums.

Example: FTM here, what do I actually need in the hospital bag?

In LGBTQ contexts, FTM means "female to male," describing a transgender man, so the setting matters. STM (second-time mom) is its counterpart. FTMs often post questions about birth plans, sleep and feeding.

More US customary and imperial unit abbreviations

  • dr – Dram
  • dwt – Pennyweight
  • fl oz – Fluid ounce
  • ft – Foot
  • fur – Furlong
  • gal – Gallon
  • gi – Gill
  • gr – Grain

See all 43 US customary and imperial unit abbreviations →

More parenting forum abbreviations

  • EBF – Exclusively breastfed (or breastfeeding)
  • EP – Exclusively pumping
  • FF – Formula feeding
  • FIL – Father-in-law
  • HPT – Home pregnancy test
  • LO – Little one
  • MC – Miscarriage
  • MIL – Mother-in-law

See all 42 parenting forum abbreviations →