I often have minor moments of confusion, and sometimes amusement, when acronyms (initialisms) are used for more than one thing, especially when they're alarmingly divergent things.
One that's a bit out-dated now is ATM: automatic teller machine, of course, but for a long time Adobe Type Manager was a common piece of software. Then there's MLS for the Multiple Listing Service or a Masters of Library Science.
Those are both pretty harmless. Here are some that are less so:
- PCP: is it the drug we used to call "angel dust" or your primary care physician?
- TIA: is it thanks in advance, or a transient ischemic attack?
- TMI: is it too much information or Three Mile Island?
- I've recently mentioned CRT, which stands for both cathode ray tube and Critical Race Theory.
- RPG: is it a role-playing game, or a rocket-propelled grenade?
- IED: your choice of intermittent explosive disorder, or improvised explosive device?
I know I had others, but I can't find them now. If I find where I noted them down, I'll add them later.
1 comment:
Herschel Walker removed one ambiguity when he referred to “CTR.” : )
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