Acronyms

[old-git]

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

[HDi fun]

Originally Posted by old-git

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

Good point. Keeping the things pronuncible is probably better for marketing purposes. It also allows for a reduction in 'sadbastardness' syndrome.

[feingreth]

HUD= head up display
Many of the top of the range cars have these as an option, like the M5 yummy :P

[muttsnuts]

Originally Posted by Pixel

Ford = First On Race Day

I thought Ford=Fix Or Repair Daily????????

[Dev2836]

hey how about country

JAPAN:jumping and pumping all night..

Originally Posted by steve_e45

Dont think this is what you ment by acronyms but thought afew of them were a laugh so here goes:

FIAT: Failed Italian Automotive Technology
HONDA: Hold On, 'Nother Dickhead Arriving
LOTUS: Lots Of Trouble, Usually Serious
PORSCHE: Proof Of Rich Spoilt Children Having Everything
TOYOTA: The One You Ought To Avoid
VOLVO: Very Odd Looking Vehicular Object

[waynne]

Any more (sensible ) acronyms before this becomes an article on the main site?

[waynne]

TS - twin spark
SOHC Single overhead cam
DOHC Double overhead cam
OHC over head cam
TDC top dead center ... (there must be loads more!)

[Phyzz]

Originally Posted by steve_e45

Dont think this is what you ment by acronyms but thought afew of them were a laugh so here goes:

FIAT: Failed Italian Automotive Technology
HONDA: Hold On, 'Nother Dickhead Arriving
LOTUS: Lots Of Trouble, Usually Serious
PORSCHE: Proof Of Rich Spoilt Children Having Everything
TOYOTA: The One You Ought To Avoid
VOLVO: Very Odd Looking Vehicular Object

how about DAIHATSU ? hehe can u think of it?

[waynne]

I shudder to think!

[Massive]

i know! DAIHATSU=should have bought something else

only joking