The meaning of common acronyms
British people love creating acronyms (words made using the first letters of other words). It is a great way to make it quicker and easier to provide information. Why take the time to say or write longer words when a few letters can be used instead?
Most acronyms are used only in certain jobs. For some reason, they usually end up with 3 letters. Indeed, business and industry acronyms that use 3 letters are so common, there is even an acronym used to describe them (as a joke) – TLA (three-letter acronym). The government health and safety website has a useful list of some of the acronyms found in industry and business.
Of course, there is a balance. If there are too many acronyms, they just confuse people. In 2018, the Ministry of Defence was criticised for creating a handbook of acronyms that was 370 pages long.
However, some acronyms are very common and used by everyone. Look out for:
- A&E = accident & emergency (the place in a hospital for emergency care)
- AKA = also known as
- B&B = bed and breakfast
- BBQ = barbecue
- BAME = Black, Asian and minority ethnic
- BO = body odour (smelling of sweat)
- BW = best wishes
- CCTV = security cameras (closed circuit television)
- CV = resume (‘curriculum vitae’ in Latin)
- DIY = home improvement (do it yourself)
- DOB = date of birth
- EG = for example (‘exempli gratia’ in Latin)
- FAQ = frequently asked questions
- GP = local doctor (general practitioner)
- HGV = lorry/truck (heavy goods vehicle)
- HQ = headquarters
- ID = identity documents
- IE = namely (‘id est’ in Latin)
- IT = information technology (computers and software)
- LGBT+ = lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual and other gender/sexuality identities
- MP = member of parliament
- N/A = not available or not applicable
- NHS = National Health Service
- OAP = old age pensioners (old people)
- PA = personal assistant
- PC = once meant ‘personal computer’, but now means any desktop computer not made by Apple
- PIN = personal identification number (used with a debit card or credit card)
- PM = prime minister
- PMT = pre-menstrual tension (feeling emotional before menstruation)
- P&P = postage and packaging
- PS = ‘post script’ in Latin. Used to add a note at the end of a letter
- PTO = please turn over
- Q&A = questions and answers
- RIP = rest in peace (used on gravestones)
- RSVP = please reply (‘respondez s’il vous plait’ in French)
- TBA = to be announced
- TBC = to be confirmed
- T&Cs = terms and conditions
- TLC = tender loving care
- UFO = alien spaceship (unidentified flying object)
- VAT = value added tax
- VIP = very important person
- WC = toilet (once called a ‘water closet’)
- WFH = work from home
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