Reduction and abbreviation of acronyms
6. Example 1: Reductions by using numbers
An acronym is a pronounceable word formed from the first letter or first few letters of each word in a phrase or title. Sometimes the newly-combined letters create a new word that takes the place in everyday language.
Using this shortened form of a word or phrase can speed up communication.
Numbers are used in some acronyms:
- 2 — two, to, too
- 4 — four, for
- 8 — ate
In other cases, the numbers are combined with the first letters of the following words:
- B2W — Back to work
- CUL8R — See you later
7. Example 2: Abbreviation
Only the first letters of the words can be used in the phrase:
- TTYL — talk to you later
- IDK — I don’t know
- IMHO — In my humble opinion
- OMG — Oh my god! Oh my goodness! Oh my gosh!
- LOL — Laugh out loud!
8. History
One of the main reasons of appearance of acronyms is economy of time.
Acronyms and abbreviations take many forms and can be found in ancient Greek inscriptions, in medieval manuscripts (e.g., “DN” for “Dominus Noster”), and in the Qurʾān. But it was the so-called information explosion of the 20th century that made abbreviation a common practice in communication.
Another factor in the development of abbreviations is the appearance of new products and organizations that need to be named. This is noticeable in Internet communication, especially with e-mails, where a huge number of abbreviated forms came into use beginning in the 1990s.
9. Current usage
Acronyms are used across every industry. The world of texting and instant messaging has given rise to a whole series of acronyms:
Acronyms used in chats (PM – Private Message)
Acronyms used in military/ government (FBI – Federal Bureau of Investigation, NASA – National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
In business communication (FYI – For Your Information, ASAP – As Soon As Possible)
Informative Acronyms (EST – Eastern Standard Time, JIT – Just In Time)
Acronyms used as identity (NBA – National Basketball Association)
Код баннера:
