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NJCher

(35,434 posts)
Fri Aug 29, 2014, 02:32 AM Aug 2014

The Rule for Acronyms

If you care about others understanding your message:

When using an acronym, write it out the first time and then put the acronym in parentheses. Example:

The General Accounting Office (GAO) admits that bush stole the election.

You only have to do that the first time. From then on, you can say GAO.

In the last five minutes, I had to excuse myself from jury service because I did not understand what a WAF was. Then I went to another thread and didn't understand what a PRN was.

People can probably get away with common acronyms like EPA or DOD, but the two above? I'm fairly well read and I have no idea what they are.

If you care enough to write a post, go the extra inch and be clear.


Cher

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The Rule for Acronyms (Original Post) NJCher Aug 2014 OP
I like the recommendation and always do so in formal writing but Live and Learn Aug 2014 #1
sorry, not my job NJCher Aug 2014 #3
I think any attempt to get posters using message boards, texts, tweets, or blogging to Live and Learn Aug 2014 #10
Where or how did "good luck in your endeavor" become flipping someone off? kickysnana Aug 2014 #82
It never did and I certainly didn't mean it that way. Live and Learn Aug 2014 #89
You really aren't wishing NJCher good luck, are you? Why be so snide and nasty? NBachers Aug 2014 #86
Why did you take what I said as snide and nasty? Live and Learn Aug 2014 #90
Hahah NJCher Aug 2014 #91
I love teachers. Live and Learn Aug 2014 #92
Excellent advice! (nt) gtar100 Aug 2014 #20
Remember to spell out "No Text" the first time and then you are free to use NT after that. FSogol Aug 2014 #25
My favorite is when someone puts "n/t" .... Whiskeytide Aug 2014 #30
:-) hahaha - implied by context; understood only by those in the know. gtar100 Aug 2014 #38
DU means "Don't Upset" Anyone. FSogol Aug 2014 #53
A professor of mine once said, Maedhros Aug 2014 #52
Sadly, that underestimates the creativity of idiots. nt eppur_se_muova Aug 2014 #67
It wasn't actually easy to come up with on Google BainsBane Aug 2014 #5
There are some ambiguous and little known acronyms used on occasion Live and Learn Aug 2014 #8
I actually think she has a very valid point. passiveporcupine Aug 2014 #12
See the LOL post below. Live and Learn Aug 2014 #14
agree there are some that have become common knowledge treestar Aug 2014 #32
Then there's those with numerous meanings... MattSh Aug 2014 #87
that's exactly the position I was in NJCher Aug 2014 #9
I agree with you 100%. The point of writing is to communicate. lob1 Aug 2014 #15
On Reddit, people use "IANAL" a lot. Fantastic Anarchist Aug 2014 #56
I'd have been lost. I thought it was Women in the Air Force. herding cats Aug 2014 #75
Agreed. This is a very good point. R B Garr Aug 2014 #2
WAG illustrates another problem: Many acronyms have more than one meaning. Jim Lane Aug 2014 #68
I had no idea what that was when I read it either BainsBane Aug 2014 #4
Laughing Out Loud (LOL)-- completely agree. Marr Aug 2014 #6
Laughing Out Loud (LOL). Live and Learn Aug 2014 #11
that is why the smileys are so great! Kali Aug 2014 #81
Thank you, NJCher! silverweb Aug 2014 #7
I'm in complete agreement with you. n/t proReality Aug 2014 #13
Oh Kay (OK) BrotherIvan Aug 2014 #16
BHIMBGO AYFKMWTS? ( n/t ) Make7 Aug 2014 #17
Who can argue with that? pinboy3niner Aug 2014 #29
We are, all of us, getting old demwing Aug 2014 #71
! Tuesday Afternoon Aug 2014 #84
I once started a thread Unknown Beatle Aug 2014 #18
If I don't want to get into the conversation, kentauros Aug 2014 #19
I agree with you, but this is a losing battle. TexasProgresive Aug 2014 #21
IKIW. And truedelphi Aug 2014 #48
I use TSTL and FOAD a lot. hobbit709 Aug 2014 #22
FUAH is a good one, too. Iggo Aug 2014 #42
I'm dying to know. Fantastic Anarchist Aug 2014 #57
Well... Iggo Aug 2014 #59
Oh ... I thought so ... Fantastic Anarchist Aug 2014 #62
I said I don't USE it here... Iggo Aug 2014 #63
That's a good policy to have. Fantastic Anarchist Aug 2014 #65
It's often a simple case of DILLIGAF seveneyes Aug 2014 #23
WTF! WAF TexasProgresive Aug 2014 #24
+1 PDittie Aug 2014 #37
The other rule for acronyms. It is not an acronym if it does not form a word. CBGLuthier Aug 2014 #26
To be more accurate, they are initialisms. Silent3 Aug 2014 #34
+1. Thanks for your post. MASH is an acronym. HSA is not. John1956PA Aug 2014 #51
And, whatever you do, LWolf Aug 2014 #27
Good point. donco Aug 2014 #28
I agree treestar Aug 2014 #31
I read all threads so far marked50 Aug 2014 #33
Properly Registered Nurse. Iggo Aug 2014 #41
Pork Rind Nachos pinboy3niner Aug 2014 #43
That sounds like a low carb treat n/t TexasProgresive Aug 2014 #46
Yummy In_The_Wind Aug 2014 #64
Pole Riding Norsemen? Fantastic Anarchist Aug 2014 #58
The meaning of PRN Jim Lane Aug 2014 #73
Thank you! Sweet Freedom Aug 2014 #35
Thank you... onyourleft Aug 2014 #36
Someone has been reading their Associated Press (AP) Stylebook... Blue_Tires Aug 2014 #39
That ain't an acronym unless you pronounce it as a word. Iggo Aug 2014 #40
FRP! I find myself using that a lot these days on DU. MineralMan Aug 2014 #44
I run into at least one acronym a day edhopper Aug 2014 #45
Will Pitt utilized the acronym "GBCW" truedelphi Aug 2014 #47
Good Bye Cruel World pinboy3niner Aug 2014 #49
Thanks for the meaning and also the song! n/t truedelphi Aug 2014 #66
I've seen that one rattling around on DU for a few years. hifiguy Aug 2014 #50
As one who apparently is NOT an everyone, delete_bush Aug 2014 #79
Military Industrial Complex. Sheesh ... Stardust Aug 2014 #85
http://www.acronymfinder.com ManiacJoe Aug 2014 #54
I'm don't care much for rules ... Fantastic Anarchist Aug 2014 #55
Oh FFS! Glassunion Aug 2014 #60
I agree with the OP, and here's my pet peeve: Martin Eden Aug 2014 #61
the one that gets me is people asking for "advise" fizzgig Aug 2014 #70
While I agree it would be nice if everyone would use APA standards to write posts davidpdx Aug 2014 #69
What the hell eom and nt? JEB Aug 2014 #72
eom = end of message, nt = no text Jim Lane Aug 2014 #76
HD = Handy Dandy. cool. eom JEB Aug 2014 #78
Thank you NJCher. lovemydog Aug 2014 #74
Hear! Hear! BlueCaliDem Aug 2014 #77
Ditto. eom littlemissmartypants Aug 2014 #80
You're awesome, Cher! Major Hogwash Aug 2014 #83
Thank you NJCher- I agree. May I add: "Rachel really took him to the woodshed that time!!!" NBachers Aug 2014 #88

Live and Learn

(12,769 posts)
1. I like the recommendation and always do so in formal writing but
Fri Aug 29, 2014, 02:37 AM
Aug 2014

I don't see that as much of an excuse to get out of jury duty. You could just open another window and look it up.

NJCher

(35,434 posts)
3. sorry, not my job
Fri Aug 29, 2014, 03:02 AM
Aug 2014

I am an English teacher and teach college-level writing. It is incumbent upon the writer to do the intellectual work necessary to make the writing understood. If not, the cost is losing the reader.

As I explain to my classes, there is a huge amount of reading out there. As the writer, it is your job to be competitive with other writers. Good writers know this and do what they have to automatically.



Cher

Live and Learn

(12,769 posts)
10. I think any attempt to get posters using message boards, texts, tweets, or blogging to
Fri Aug 29, 2014, 03:24 AM
Aug 2014

use standards that an English teacher would find acceptable will probably prove unfruitful. But, good luck in your endeavor.

kickysnana

(3,908 posts)
82. Where or how did "good luck in your endeavor" become flipping someone off?
Sat Aug 30, 2014, 12:02 AM
Aug 2014

Asking because the first time I saw it was this month from a cousin who was arguing that all brown poor people and a lot of other poor were beyond redemption.

Simply, "if they worked harder they would not be poor" and any help came "directly out of her pocket" and because her "childhood sucked" she didn't need to think about anyone else.

I always hate when a perfectly good phrase becomes something negative. And since this is twice in one month it must be "on the boards" and obviously I am too curious for my own good.

Is it something from a TV show or like a debate?

Live and Learn

(12,769 posts)
89. It never did and I certainly didn't mean it that way.
Sat Aug 30, 2014, 12:30 PM
Aug 2014

'Have a good day' on the other hand, can sometimes be taken that way.

I simply meant that it seems an impossible task.

NJCher

(35,434 posts)
91. Hahah
Sat Aug 30, 2014, 01:40 PM
Aug 2014

If you saw what I dealt with in terms of teaching writing at the beginning of the semester, you'd call that an impossible task, too.

However, what I point out is in one's best interest. Obviously people posting here care about getting their point across. Even if I only alert four people who start explaining their acronyms or initialisms, others will see it, and a few more pick up the habit, etc. Others pick it up by example.

I don't agree that it's an impossible task. At the end of the semester, I see much improvement in the writing of my students. People do care about how they come across.

I also think most people here know the rule. They just forget that others aren't as aware of the acronym/initialism as they are. A little reminder can go a long way.

What has surprised me is how many people will go to the extra effort (such as Googling an acronym). You did. In English teacher meetings, we seem to be of the impression that the reader will not go to that extra trouble. A few people here can, will, and in fact do so.

I, however, won't. That's my policy and I'm stickin' to it!


Cher

gtar100

(4,192 posts)
38. :-) hahaha - implied by context; understood only by those in the know.
Fri Aug 29, 2014, 10:38 AM
Aug 2014

"What does 'nt' mean? Hey, there's no text here.What the heck,! First he writes, 'nt', then there's no text. Hmmm..."

All in the flash of an instance so small, it barely rises to the surface of awareness. The reader moves on in the glow of knowing one of the inner cicle's secrets of DU.

"Hey, what does 'DU' mean... "

 

Maedhros

(10,007 posts)
52. A professor of mine once said,
Fri Aug 29, 2014, 01:04 PM
Aug 2014

"One should not write so that one can be understood; one should write so that one cannot be misunderstood."

BainsBane

(53,003 posts)
5. It wasn't actually easy to come up with on Google
Fri Aug 29, 2014, 03:06 AM
Aug 2014

It isn't a common acronym. It turns out it means Women Against Feminism.

I think opting out is more responsible than what some admit to doing, voting when they don't know what's going on.

Live and Learn

(12,769 posts)
8. There are some ambiguous and little known acronyms used on occasion
Fri Aug 29, 2014, 03:19 AM
Aug 2014

but in general posters use fairly easy to decipher acronyms with a simple search.

I do agree that if one is unable or unwilling to expend the energy to find the meaning, that one should opt out.

passiveporcupine

(8,175 posts)
12. I actually think she has a very valid point.
Fri Aug 29, 2014, 04:17 AM
Aug 2014

what is more acceptable. The post originator explaining once what the acronym is, or fifty or more members having to look it up because they don't know what it means?

Who is being lazy here?

Live and Learn

(12,769 posts)
14. See the LOL post below.
Fri Aug 29, 2014, 04:41 AM
Aug 2014

Do you really expect people to post "Laughing Out Loud (LOL), just because the reader is a bit behind the times and doesn't want to look it up? How about POTUS or SCOTUS?

treestar

(82,383 posts)
32. agree there are some that have become common knowledge
Fri Aug 29, 2014, 09:29 AM
Aug 2014

but people must know when they are using something a bit less common.

MattSh

(3,714 posts)
87. Then there's those with numerous meanings...
Sat Aug 30, 2014, 04:12 AM
Aug 2014

I kept coming across ATO so figured I had to go look it up. Found a list of over 100 ATO acronyms. Then I had to go down the list to try to find the one that seemed most applicable to the particular circumstance.

NJCher

(35,434 posts)
9. that's exactly the position I was in
Fri Aug 29, 2014, 03:19 AM
Aug 2014

I wanted to be fair. I couldn't because I didn't have enough information.

And needless to say, as an English teacher I spend enough time deciphering writing that lacks clarity. Reading and posting here is my leisure time activity, which I happen to like a helluva lot. I'm not going to ruin my good time by turning it into a job.

I love the English language, though, and think most people want to be understood, which is why I originated this thread.


Cher

Fantastic Anarchist

(7,309 posts)
56. On Reddit, people use "IANAL" a lot.
Fri Aug 29, 2014, 02:47 PM
Aug 2014

Took me ages to figure out it means, "I Am Not A Lawyer" as in "I'm not a lawyer, but ..."

Yep, I'm like, "Hey, what you do on your own time is your business."

Like I said down-thread, I'm not much for rules, but yours is a good one.

herding cats

(19,549 posts)
75. I'd have been lost. I thought it was Women in the Air Force.
Fri Aug 29, 2014, 10:35 PM
Aug 2014

Seriously, I did. Sometimes our life experience changes the meanings of acronyms to our eyes.

I totally agree opting out was the right choice here. I've had to do it several times before when I was clueless on what a poster was saying. There's no shame in excusing yourself from passing judgment if you don't know what a person is talking about. It's the only responsible choice, really.

 

Jim Lane

(11,175 posts)
68. WAG illustrates another problem: Many acronyms have more than one meaning.
Fri Aug 29, 2014, 10:02 PM
Aug 2014

The first time I saw it used it was wild-assed guess, as you say. I was confused, later, to see a teaser for a website story about "Hottest WAGs of NFL stars" or some such. In that context it's used to mean wives and girlfriends. There are many other meanings, too.

BainsBane

(53,003 posts)
4. I had no idea what that was when I read it either
Fri Aug 29, 2014, 03:04 AM
Aug 2014

(I wasn't the alerter). After a bit of googling I found out it means women against feminism.

 

Marr

(20,317 posts)
6. Laughing Out Loud (LOL)-- completely agree.
Fri Aug 29, 2014, 03:11 AM
Aug 2014

This is one of my pet peeves online. Almost no one uses that rule of thumb-- or even just typing the name in full the first time without the acronym following it.

The other day, in a different forum, I encountered a completely indecipherable post made up of three sentences. Most of the nouns and verbs were acronyms, and completely unexplained. So annoying.

Live and Learn

(12,769 posts)
11. Laughing Out Loud (LOL).
Fri Aug 29, 2014, 03:27 AM
Aug 2014

And, I really did but there is no way I am typing all of that every time I post a simple, lol.

silverweb

(16,402 posts)
7. Thank you, NJCher!
Fri Aug 29, 2014, 03:12 AM
Aug 2014

[font color="navy" face="Verdana"]That's one of my biggest peeves, and I agree with you completely.

Make7

(8,543 posts)
17. BHIMBGO AYFKMWTS? ( n/t )
Fri Aug 29, 2014, 04:49 AM
Aug 2014

[font style="color:#ffffff; background-color:#ffffff;"]Bloody Hell, I Must Be Getting Old Are You F***ing Kidding Me With This Sh**?[/font]

Unknown Beatle

(2,672 posts)
18. I once started a thread
Fri Aug 29, 2014, 04:59 AM
Aug 2014

much like yours on the use of acronyms and someone tried to educate me on the difference between 'acronyms' and 'initialisms'.

Women's Army Corp (WAC) - Acronym
WAC is pronounced as a word.

It's OK If You're A Republican (IOKIYAR) - Initialism
IOKIYAR is not pronounced as a word.

All I was trying to do was make a point.

kentauros

(29,414 posts)
19. If I don't want to get into the conversation,
Fri Aug 29, 2014, 05:01 AM
Aug 2014

I just look it up and assume based on usage and context. When you mention the use of "WAF" I have no idea of the context, and so the first thing to pop into my head is the obsolete "Women in the Air Force" which I'm guessing almost no one else around here has ever heard or seen used

Here's the site I like for looking them up, linked to their full list of "WAF" possibilities:

http://acronyms.thefreedictionary.com/WAF

TexasProgresive

(12,148 posts)
21. I agree with you, but this is a losing battle.
Fri Aug 29, 2014, 07:19 AM
Aug 2014

More than once I have looked up one of these obscure alphabet soups and posted all the results as a reply. Then the person will sorrowfully let me know which one is correct. I was taught to only use abbreviations and acronyms in notes to myself. I admit that I am a bit lazy when posting in a forum like this, but I will always write out the acronym in the first instance.

One would think that people who post would be highly concerned with their (important) thought being communicated clearly.

Signed,
OWMLPWLITWCW

That should be clear as mud to any.

truedelphi

(32,324 posts)
48. IKIW. And
Fri Aug 29, 2014, 12:05 PM
Aug 2014

I once saw a splendid detailed and comic discussion regarding whether Kirk could beat out Piccard in a martial arts struggle to the death, and some of the deft maneuvers of each Starfleet Commander were soon discussed by the acronyms surrounding the activity. For whatever reason those made it even funnier, I guess, mostly because some of the acronyms were like 17 letters or so long.

Fantastic Anarchist

(7,309 posts)
62. Oh ... I thought so ...
Fri Aug 29, 2014, 03:26 PM
Aug 2014

But since you didn't want to mention it here, I thought it may be something worse.

Why can't you say, "Fuck off, asshole?"

TexasProgresive

(12,148 posts)
24. WTF! WAF
Fri Aug 29, 2014, 07:28 AM
Aug 2014
Acronym Definition
WAF Women in the Air Force (USAF; obsolete)
WAF Warendorf
WAF Web Application Firewall (IT security)
WAF We Are Family
WAF Weekend A Firenze
WAF Wafer
WAF Wife Acceptance Factor (stereos/gadgets)
WAF We Are the Future
WAF Web Application Framework
WAF Women's Action Forum
WAF World Agricultural Forum
WAF Wife Approval Factor
WAF Water Accommodated Fraction
WAF Women Against Fundamentalism
WAF World AIDS Foundation
WAF Weather and Forecasting
WAF Weapons Analysis Facility
WAF What A Friend (We Have in Jesus)
WAF Welsh Automotive Forum
WAF World Apostolate of Fatima (Catholic organization)
WAF Wide Area File
WAF Work Authorization Form
WAF With All Faults
WAF World Arm Wrestling Federation (est. 1998)
WAF Workfolder Application Facility
WAF Womens Acceptance Factor
WAF Wall Attenuation Factor (wireless signal strength)
WAF World Allergy Forum
WAF Web and Film (festival)
WAF World Action Foundation (Portland, OR)
WAF Wireless Adaptation Framework
WAF What a Freak (Internet slang)
WAF Wesleyan Annual Fund
WAF Windows Access Facility
WAF Western Advertising Federation
WAF Wireless Application Framework
WAF Wavelet Analysis Filter
WAF Women's Addiction Foundation
WAF Watershed Assessment Framework (various organizations)
WAF Women's Aid Federation of England (UK)
WAF Werkhuizen August Firlefyn (Kruibeke, Belgium)
WAF Wine Advocate Fund for Philanthropy (McLean, VA)
WAF World Athletics Final
WAF Warszawskie Alternatywy Filmowe (Polish: Warsaw Alternative Film; film festival; Warsaw, Poland)

submit new definition
http://acronyms.thefreedictionary.com/WAF


Maybe someone should click "submit a new definition"
http://acronyms.thefreedictionary.com/_/gr.aspx?url=w1.acronymfinder.com/add.asp?acronym=WAF

Edited to add: My 9th grade Latin teacher often said "What the fly!" We translated that to "Quid musca!" which we would cry out in unison if he announced a pop quiz.

CBGLuthier

(12,723 posts)
26. The other rule for acronyms. It is not an acronym if it does not form a word.
Fri Aug 29, 2014, 07:40 AM
Aug 2014

GAO and EPA are not acronyms, they are abbreviations. Radar and Laser are acronyms.

I like to be clear but I also like to be accurate.

Silent3

(15,020 posts)
34. To be more accurate, they are initialisms.
Fri Aug 29, 2014, 09:54 AM
Aug 2014

Abbreviation tends to mean (though it's not strictly so) a single word cut down to fewer letters, although an abbreviation can be a shorted version of a phrase.

John1956PA

(2,654 posts)
51. +1. Thanks for your post. MASH is an acronym. HSA is not.
Fri Aug 29, 2014, 12:41 PM
Aug 2014

Thanks for posting that the shorthand designation of a group, phenomenon, etc., which consists of initials is not an acronym unless the initials form a recognized word.

LWolf

(46,179 posts)
27. And, whatever you do,
Fri Aug 29, 2014, 08:06 AM
Aug 2014

if you don't like dealing with acronyms, stay away from public education. If I were at work, I wouldn't have to reach far to find some statements just received yesterday that are completely unintelligible if you don't embrace acronyms.

 

Jim Lane

(11,175 posts)
73. The meaning of PRN
Fri Aug 29, 2014, 10:33 PM
Aug 2014

There are multiple possible meanings, some of which are listed here. The first one that occurred to me (well, tbh, the only one I knew before looking it up) was the medical usage, directing that a particular medication or other treatment be used as often as necessary. (Wikipedia says "as the circumstance arises".) This is as opposed to a pill you take every four hours, regardless of how you feel.

Do a search for "Love a nurse PRN" and you'll find vendors eager to sell you a mug or t-shirt bearing that legend.

In the first paragraph, I deliberately used "tbh" without explanation. As Internet slang for "to be honest" it's less well known than "lol" and a few others. Is it nevertheless common enough to be used as if almost everyone knows it? I'm not sure.

Sweet Freedom

(3,995 posts)
35. Thank you!
Fri Aug 29, 2014, 10:02 AM
Aug 2014

Excellent point. May I also add: be sure to identify acronyms within your alert to the jury. Unfortunately, I have seen jurors actually vote when they don't understand an acronym. For example—

Juror #1 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: Entire thread is ridiculous, including the alerted post. Can't even understand the alert -- what is MRA? what is MIRT?

Iggo

(47,489 posts)
40. That ain't an acronym unless you pronounce it as a word.
Fri Aug 29, 2014, 10:42 AM
Aug 2014

"Gow" or maybe "Gay-oh" (Hey! I like that one!).

MineralMan

(146,192 posts)
44. FRP! I find myself using that a lot these days on DU.
Fri Aug 29, 2014, 10:52 AM
Aug 2014

Some posters appear to be enamored of Rand Paul these days. I like FRP, because it can apply to both pater et fils of that family.

edhopper

(33,212 posts)
45. I run into at least one acronym a day
Fri Aug 29, 2014, 11:07 AM
Aug 2014

that i don't know.

It gets very frustrating.

Often, when I Google it for the meaning i think "WTF!" that is really obscure.

truedelphi

(32,324 posts)
47. Will Pitt utilized the acronym "GBCW"
Fri Aug 29, 2014, 12:01 PM
Aug 2014

In his dancing on graves topic yesterday. ???

Anyone here who can inform me what those letters mean?

 

hifiguy

(33,688 posts)
50. I've seen that one rattling around on DU for a few years.
Fri Aug 29, 2014, 12:26 PM
Aug 2014

But there are some that are bafflers. Everyone knows TPTB or MIC but many are much lesser known. Definition of less common actonyms/initialisms/whatever once in the post in which they are used would be good for clarity's sake.

Martin Eden

(12,805 posts)
61. I agree with the OP, and here's my pet peeve:
Fri Aug 29, 2014, 03:21 PM
Aug 2014

I just might loose my mind if so many people keep typing "loose" (rhymes with juice) when it should be "lose" (rhymes with booze).

davidpdx

(22,000 posts)
69. While I agree it would be nice if everyone would use APA standards to write posts
Fri Aug 29, 2014, 10:12 PM
Aug 2014

realistically not everyone will (or can). Some people have never learned those rules. I would guess many who have, did so a long time ago and have since forgot them.

I use APA for writing and have no problem trying to do that.

I happened to be on that jury and ended up Googling it and finding the definition in less than 30 seconds. If I remember correctly the outcome was 0-7.

 

Jim Lane

(11,175 posts)
76. eom = end of message, nt = no text
Fri Aug 29, 2014, 10:36 PM
Aug 2014

Either can be used at the end of a subject line. It's a courtesy to the readers who are skimming the subject lines and might click on yours to read more if they find the subject line interesting; you alert them that the click will yield only blank space.

BlueCaliDem

(15,438 posts)
77. Hear! Hear!
Fri Aug 29, 2014, 10:38 PM
Aug 2014

Saves me from having to google it or from going through previous message trying to find the pieces of the puzzle.

Major Hogwash

(17,656 posts)
83. You're awesome, Cher!
Sat Aug 30, 2014, 12:17 AM
Aug 2014

And you're absolutely right!
For those of us who haven't been hanging out in chat rooms gossiping for the last dozen years, using the fully spelled out acronym the first time is essential to communication!!

NBachers

(17,007 posts)
88. Thank you NJCher- I agree. May I add: "Rachel really took him to the woodshed that time!!!"
Sat Aug 30, 2014, 04:16 AM
Aug 2014

so I click, expecting to find an elaboration or a link, only to find "WoW that's going to smart for a looong time!!" and nothing more.

There are those of us who are cable-challenged, and would appreciate a morsel of information in these breathless posts.

Latest Discussions»General Discussion»The Rule for Acronyms