Abbreviations seem to be more popular as language progresses and hybrid products are created. They also have become quite common in our everyday writing and speech, probably due to the fast-paced world we live in. Text messages and email make abbreviations even more prevalent. It sometimes seems that abbreviations have taken over our language!
Abbreviations are used to shorten both phrases and words. There are two types of abbreviations used to shorten phrases: acronyms and initialisms.
Acronyms are abbreviations that are pronounced as words. Some examples are
NATO
AIDS
OPEC
SQL
Initialisms are abbreviations that are pronounced one letter at a time. Some examples are
FBI
HTML
XML
IBM
HP
DVD
VHS
Keep an eye out for redundant words when using abbreviations. Redundant abbreviations are so common that New Scientist, a specialist consumer magazine, coined the term RAS Syndrome, which stands for Redundant Acronym Syndrome Syndrome. Another example of a redundant acronym is PIN number. You wouldn’t say personal identification number number, would you?
Some other popular redundant abbreviations are
ATM machine
UPC code
HIV virus
LCD display
ABS system
VIN number
Try It!
- Make a list of 5 popular acronyms.
- Make a list of 5 popular initialisms.
- Make a list of 5 popular redundant abbreviations.