What’s an Acronym?
Acronyms are new words made by using the first letter of words in a phrase and they are surprisingly common in English. Unfortunately, it is sometimes confusing trying to understand what people are saying when they use acronyms instead of the real words. Remember that in common conversation, using acronyms is quite casual, so avoid using them in your essays.
Common Acronyms Used In English
Here are some common examples of acronyms used in everyday English conversation to get you started.
- 1. OMG – Oh My God
- 2. WTF – What the F@#K
- 3. YOLO – You Only Live Once
Don’t forget, acronyms are usually used in phone and computer messaging, and often grammar rules are forgotten. Nowadays, I even hear native speakers using acronyms in their speech, but it is not very formal.
- 4. FYI – For Your Information
I’m a teacher who always tells my students to speak with appropriate vocabulary and grammar so speaking with acronyms hurts my head. But this doesn’t mean it’s wrong.
Recently at a party of students and friends, AKA a ‘get-together’, it was obvious how these new words are becoming more and more popular and how they can be very confusing when learning English.
- 5. AKA – Also Known As
The truth is, being creative with your native language is common. It is far more popular with younger people because creating new words and speaking the same as your friends are important in building friendships. That’s not to say that you won’t find them around offices and other social settings where you need to network with VIPs or the next business meeting date is TBD.
- 6. OTT – Over The Top
- 7. BFF – Best Friend Forever
- 8. VIP – Very Important
- 9. TBD – To Be Determined
In fact, it is incredible how many acronyms are already present in spoken English. A soldier frequently needs to give his ETA ASAP and a wedding planner will undoubtedly need to ask guests to RSVP. A nurse might also need to be careful when describing a patient as having SOB to somebody not involved in the medical profession.
- 10. ETA – Estimated Time of Arrival
- 11. ASAP – As Soon As Possible
- 12. RSVP – répondez s’il vous plaît (French for “Please Respond”)
- 13. SOB – Shortness of Breath
- 14. LOL – Laugh Out Loud
Just Listen and Learn
So finally, how should learners cope with this unique usage of English? Well, in exactly the same way as native speakers. Just like me and all other native speakers, learn this language day by day. The everyday vocabulary used in your circle of friends or place of work will change and evolve differently to others so just let it develop around you.
Relax, keep learning and embrace the language you love! Remember, YOLO!
