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What is an acronym?

An acronym is a word formed from the first letters of a name (e.g. NATO, from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization) or by combining the first letters of a set of words (radar, from radio detection and ranging). Adjective: abbreviation. Also referred to as a protogram.

Strictly speaking, according to lexicographer John Ayto, an acronym denotes "a combination pronounced as a word... and not just as a sequence of letters" (A Century of New Words, 2007).

An an acronym is an acronym (or other initialism) for which the expanded form is not commonly known or used, such as OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration).

Etymology

From the Greek "point" + "name"

Pronunciation

AK-ri-nim

Examples and observations

• Acronyms and Abbreviations "The difference between acronyms Abbreviations are as follows: Acronyms are real words made up of the first letter or two of the words in a phrase, and they are pronounced like other words (cf. snafu, radar, laser, or unesco). In contrast, abbreviations do not form real words and are therefore pronounced as strings of letters, for example SOB, IOU, USA, MP, Ip. or TV.'
• "I have a few lists to refer to throughout the day, but I don't have an official 'FAT' book yet. Yes, it really says FAT (Federal Acronym and Terms) book."
• Acronymous Textspeak "Many acronyms written have found their way into spoken language - just ask your BFF or the staff member who spelled it all" FYI. ' Lately, so has internet slang. "

• NIMBY NIMBY: from "Not In My Back Yard" - for a person opposed to something planned near their residence
• FEMA "Re-branding FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) doesn't solve the problem; it just puts a new acronym on it."
• The Ancient Roots of Acronymy ' Acronym has ancient roots, as evidenced by the early Christian use of the Greek word Ichthys meaning 'fish' as ​​an abbreviation of Iēsous Christos, Theou Huios, Sōtēr ('Jesus Christ, Son of God, Saviour'). In English, the first known acronyms (as opposed to plain old initialisms) appeared in the telegraphic code developed in 1879 by Walter P. Phillips for the United Press Association yielding SCOTUS and 'President of' as POT POTUS These abbreviation labels are common in journalistic and diplomatic circles remained - now FLOTUS is added, which of course stands for "First Lady of the United States". "