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AIBU?

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Original poster

Am I Being Unreasonable (AIBU) - how to introduce an acronym

41 replies

Maestoso · 05/06/2024 06:27

Am I Being Unreasonable (AIBU) to say that the correct way to introduce an acronym is to write it in full first and then add the acronym in brackets. This way everyone knows what the acronym stands for.

I keep reading threads where acronyms are used without first using the full form and it's frustrating to be guessing or googling when the correct form wouldn't be difficult to include at the first mention, whether it be the opening post or subsequent comments.

AIBU is being used for illustrative purposes only. I appreciate we all know what that means.

OP posts:
nobeans · 05/06/2024 06:56

Revelatio · 05/06/2024 06:56

They’re not acronyms, they’re initialisms. Unless instead of pronouncing AIBU as individual letter you pronounce it ‘ayboo’?

I'm going to start doing that

nobeans · 05/06/2024 06:56

In formal writing yes. On a forum. No.

Revelatio · 05/06/2024 06:56

They’re not acronyms, they’re initialisms. Unless instead of pronouncing AIBU as individual letter you pronounce it ‘ayboo’?

ASighMadeOfStone · 05/06/2024 06:56

There are lots, true.
But people would start to look a bit daft if they wrote "my best friend (BF) did X" etc.
The acronyms used on MN are universal enough by now surely? And the context of a thread should be enough to tell you whether it's best friend, boyfriend, or breastfeeding.

(I didn't know the VAWG one either, but the context of the thread makes it clear enough)

Luddite26 · 05/06/2024 06:55

Just RTFT and you will get a jist as to whether the OP is talking about daughter or dad or breast feeding!😄

ZenNudist · 05/06/2024 06:53

Were I writing a formal report, yes. But as this is an Internet forum then no, that's not how it's done. It's absolutely unnecessary as well when most people can work it out.

Bananazebra · 05/06/2024 06:50

PeterPedant · 05/06/2024 06:43

Yes, the number of dear/darling sons on here who have got their grandfathers pregnant is astonishing.

And they're not acronyms. They're abbreviations.

They are acronyms

Original poster
Maestoso · 05/06/2024 06:50

Okay, I get the point. NC.

OP posts:
CelesteCunningham · 05/06/2024 06:47

Writing on a forum doesn't need formal styles. This is chit chat with a friend, not a dissertation.

You'll pick it up quickly, and if in doubt, ask.

WYorkshireRose · 05/06/2024 06:45

Not sure I understand the issue, yes people sometimes use the same abbreviations for different things, but context is everything and it's almost always obvious. When it isn't, it's usually because the OP has a poor writing style generally.

PeterPedant · 05/06/2024 06:43

Yes, the number of dear/darling sons on here who have got their grandfathers pregnant is astonishing.

And they're not acronyms. They're abbreviations.

Jenepeuxpasdiscuteravecdesstupides · 05/06/2024 06:43

Maestoso · 05/06/2024 06:27

Am I Being Unreasonable (AIBU) to say that the correct way to introduce an acronym is to write it in full first and then add the acronym in brackets. This way everyone knows what the acronym stands for.

I keep reading threads where acronyms are used without first using the full form and it's frustrating to be guessing or googling when the correct form wouldn't be difficult to include at the first mention, whether it be the opening post or subsequent comments.

AIBU is being used for illustrative purposes only. I appreciate we all know what that means.

Well, formally, yes. That is correct style/form.
However, this is MN, and you will be firmly told that there is a page outlining the acronyms and initialisms used here.
Learn them off by heart, because threads asking questions such as this, are a magnet for the cauldron watchers

merrymelodies · 05/06/2024 06:40

If in doubt, ask.

Original poster
Maestoso · 05/06/2024 06:39

Thanks for the list, where does it hide? Unfortunately, it's not exhaustive. I've come across VAWG on another thread. And it says BF stands for breast feeding with no mention of DBF, which might be best friend or boyfriend and often confuses readers. And then people use DD to mean dad or daughter rather than the acronym per the list.

OP posts:
Ereyraa · 05/06/2024 06:31

Yes, YABU

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