re abbreviations: "DH" isn't compulsory on MN. If he's being an arse you can just say H

[BeCool]

same for husband or wife - you can just say H or W if they don't deserve the D.

If your partner is being a total cunt, just call them P. No need to put " around the "D".

It's OK - we will all understand.

BF can be either best friend or boy friend though so it can be worth clarifying.

Oh god yes, completely agree. DSIL, DMIL esp get my goat, especially when they are clearly anything but 'dear/darling'.

Most of the time it is easier to write DP, DH, DD etc and it is really annoying when people pick on it as an issue within post. But sometimes people tie themselves into a right pickle trying to use all the abbreviations. Sometimes it's easier to write MIL did this, brother did that etc.

OMG I forgot all about BF + breastfeeding too (It been a while).

I find the whole "dear/darling" before everything a bit nauseating - I'd rather just use H, P, W, etc but I've picked up using D as a prefix since posting on MN as it is the done thing.

In my own mind I often just read the D as Dickhead as necessary :)

I don't see DMIL as often.

Inlaw abbreviations seem to be a common exception to the habitual use of D on MN - wonder why?

I tried putting a post about a boyfriend and a best friend. Gave up, because the abbreviation for both is the same. I hadn't considered the breastfeeding bit.... me Bfing my bf and being interrupted by my BF....

That's why best friend is bff but I don't think mn approve of that either!

D could also stand for Deadbeat. Or Disgusting. Or even Dastardly :)

Mumsnet is so funny!

We all use these abbreviations, but woe betide anyone who uses text speak...

me Bfing my bf and being interrupted by my BF....

If you're BFing your bf I think you have bigger issues than abbreviation confusion

Very true, Worra

fucking hell Worra said "text speak"

I agree! I see DH and then a big long post about how he sits on his arse all weekend while the OP begs for a bit of help. I roll my eyes. Drop the D

Also, I never know whether bf is best friend or boy friend and dear father or dear fiance. I know I can type so it's easy for me to type this, but just type it in full.

I was on an American forum where they said BM for bowel movement. I'm so glad we can just say shit on mumsnet.
^ keeps making me laugh.

Soz i dint mean 2 say txt spk

It doesn't bother me at all. Everyone knows what DH etc means. It's not a big deal.

yes DH means (and I quote) "darling/dear husband"

"I just walked in on DH shagging the nanny"
Is he really your darling right now? really?

of course we must only discuss Big Deals too.

But everyone knows it was the husband shagging the nanny, it makes no difference to the story.

These drive me mad

Especially when someone is slagging some family member off and says "DexstepMIL" or "DSIL" WHY WHY WHY - you're slagging them off, they're clearly not dear to you. And we get who it is perfectly well without needing the D in front.

Also Ddog2 - what the bloody hell is the point in putting D first??!

I haven't seen a big deal discussed on MN for ages.

But our dogs are D (except when they have been rolling in fox poo).

someone will be here very soon to ask what is my AIBU? Oops.

So AIBU to point out that you don't have to use the prefix D?