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old-git · 02-01-2008, 11:02 PM

Hi, Mr Pedant here

Most of these are not actually acronyms (IMHO), they are initialisms.

Acronyms are initialisms that can be pronounced and usually create new words. For example:
RADAR = Radio Aid for Detection And Ranging
SCUBA = Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus
NATO = North Atlantic Treaty Organisation

Initialisms are the ones that can't be pronounced. For example:

IBM
TDi

There is a grey area, however, with initialisms that can, sort of, be pronounced. For example:
JPEG
VTEC

These are sometimes called acronym–initialism hybrids

Discuss

02-01-2008, 11:02 PM	#21 (permalink)
old-git Loyal Member Power tuner Car: Elan & Robin Hood Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Essex Posts: 204	Re: Acronyms Hi, Mr Pedant here Most of these are not actually acronyms (IMHO), they are initialisms. Acronyms are initialisms that can be pronounced and usually create new words. For example: RADAR = Radio Aid for Detection And Ranging SCUBA = Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus NATO = North Atlantic Treaty Organisation Initialisms are the ones that can't be pronounced. For example: IBM TDi There is a grey area, however, with initialisms that can, sort of, be pronounced. For example: JPEG VTEC These are sometimes called acronym–initialism hybrids Discuss __________________ Steve _____________________________________________ If it's wet you're welcome. If it's dry you can try.....