Preface

The use of acronyms and similar abbreviated terms is convenient, speedy, and particularly well suited to the needs of today's highly technical society. Rapid growth of this "language" and the need to eliminate guesswork in translating terms led to the publication of Acronyms, Initialisms & Abbreviations Dictionary (AIAD). For more than forty years, AIAD has served the needs of businesspeople, students, government officials, researchers, and other interested citizens whose work requires a high degree of accuracy.

What Is Included?
Most entries in AIAD are specifically identified with the United States. Thousands of British and Canadian terms can also be found. Other non-U.S. acronyms most likely to be encountered in magazines and daily newspapers are included as well. For users whose principal interest is foreign and international terms, a companion volume to the AIAD series is available. International Acronyms, Initialisms & Abbreviations Dictionary includes terms that are local to specific foreign countries (and, as such, not eligible for inclusion in AIAD).

No attempt is made to list acronyms of local businesses or associations, local units of government, or other terms in limited use. Obsolete terms are retained for their historical interest.

Slight Distinctions Among Terms
Distinctions are not always made among the three terms used in the current title, nor are distinctions always necessary, since in many ways the definitions overlap. But the most commonly accepted, if somewhat simplified, explanations are as follows:

An acronym is composed of the initial letters or parts of a compound term. It is usually read or spoken as a single word, rather than letter by letter. Examples include RADAR (Radio Detection and Ranging) and LASER (Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation).

An initialism is also composed of the initial letters or parts of a compound term, but is generally verbalized letter by letter, rather than as a single word. Examples include PO (Post Office) and RPM (Revolutions per Minute).

An abbreviation is a shortened form of a word or words that does not follow the formation of either of the above. Examples include APR (April), PhD (Doctor of Philosophy), BCSTG (Broadcasting), and DR (Doctor).

Also included in AIAD are many alphabetic symbols, in which the letters used do not necessarily correspond to the words that they represent. Included in this category are R, a missile launch environment symbol for Ship, and T, representing Meridian Angle.

Need for a Guide Evident
Rumblings of discontent have surfaced through the years because of the overuse or misuse of acronyms, initialisms, and abbreviations. In a lecture presented before the International Congress of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dr. Anatole Sliosberg of the International Federation of Translators expressed his dismay over the abuses of "abbreviomania."

Whenever you open a scientific, technical, or economic publication, or even a daily newspaper, you are immediately struck by the number of apparently meaningless letter or syllable combinations which the most knowledgeable reader cannot decipher without the aid of a dictionary or a keen sense of divination.

The frustration of wrestling with inadequately identified designations or with the overuse of these terms is understandable. Yet, what H. L. Mencken called "the characteristic American habit of reducing complete concepts to starkest abbreviations" seems likely to continue unabated for some time. Accordingly, AIAD will continue to guide users through this expanding maze of linguistic shorthand.

Trends in the Field
Acronym formation often follows what might be termed the "chicken or egg" syndrome. Recent years have shown that when choosing a name or slogan, new organizations, ad hoc groups, or activist movements frequently select a colorful acronym first--one that they hope will spotlight their philosophy and be associated easily in the public mind with their ideas or purposes. The catchy acronym will then be fleshed out with more-or-less appropriate words. This back-formation is common with political groups, fundraising organizations, consumer-protection interests, and countless other topical coalitions.

A few editions ago, it was reported that there was a noticeable movement among corporations to abbreviate names, often because merger or expansion had rendered the original names meaningless or misleading. American District Telegraph Company changing its name to ADT, Incorporated, and U.S. Steel Corporation becoming USX Corporation are examples of this trend.

Another ongoing trend involves the creation of alternative translations to existing acronyms. These are usually facetious and sometimes quite clever. DT & I (Detroit, Toledo & Ironton Railroad) has also been translated as "Damned Tough and Independent"; IBM (International Business Machines Corp.) has been translated as "I Built a Macintosh"; PBS (Public Broadcasting Service) as "Petroleum Broadcasting Service"; and PhD (Philosophiae Doctor) as "Piled Higher and Deeper." Proper names can be turned into acronyms in a similar process. Ford (in reference to Ford Motor Company products) has been translated as "Fix or Repair Daily."

A related type of acronym formation occurs when an existing acronym is used as inspiration for other acronyms. The association MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) led to the formation of a related group, SADD (Students Against Driving Drunk; now Students Against Destructive Decisions!), and also to the creation of the satirical DAMM (Drinkers Against Mad Mothers). Similarly, the famous MGM (Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer) logo was the basis for MTM (Mary Tyler Moore) Productions, Inc.; and BC (Before Christ) has been updated to BV (Before Video).

One of the recent rapid proliferations of this type of spinoff formation was of the terms based on Yuppie (Young Urban Professional). Examples include Buppie (Black Urban Professional); Fuppie (Female Urban Professional); Guppie (Gay Urban Professional); and yetties (Young Entrepreneurial, Tech-Based Twenty-Somethings). The collection of this type of acronym currently exceeds eighty terms.

The Internet, online chat groups, and e-mail are responsible for another new trend in abbreviations. Internet lingo has brought hundreds of new terms, including addy (address), LOL (Laughing Out Loud), PPC (Pay-Per-Click), RTBS (Reason to Be Single), S4L (Spam for Life), and NMP (Not My Problem).

"Outstanding Reference Source"
New editions are prepared by adding thousands of previously unlisted terms and updating many entries from earlier editions. Substantial editorial research is required to ensure that the most complete and current information is provided. The editors were rewarded for their diligent efforts in 1985 when the Reference and Adult Services Division of the American Library Association selected AIAD as one of the twenty-five most distinguished reference titles published during the past quarter century. We take great pride in this achievement.

Available in Electronic Format
Licensing. AIAD is available for licensing. The complete database is provided in a fielded format and is deliverable on such media as disk or CD-ROM. For more information, contact Gale's Business Development Group at 1-800-877-GALE, or visit us on our Web site at www.gale.cengage.com/bizdev.

Suggestions Are Welcome
Many suggestions concerning individual terms to be included or subjects to be covered have been received from individual users and have been most helpful. The editors invite all such comments and will make every effort to incorporate them in future editions.

Preface

The use of acronyms and similar abbreviated terms is convenient, speedy, and particularly well suited to the needs of today's highly technical society. Rapid growth of this "language" and the need to eliminate guesswork in translating terms led to the publication of Acronyms, Initialisms & Abbreviations Dictionary (AIAD). For more than forty years, AIAD has served the needs of businesspeople, students, government officials, researchers, and other interested citizens whose work requires a high degree of accuracy.

What Is Included?
Most entries in AIAD are specifically identified with the United States. Thousands of British and Canadian terms can also be found. Other non-U.S. acronyms most likely to be encountered in magazines and daily newspapers are included as well. For users whose principal interest is foreign and international terms, a companion volume to the AIAD series is available. International Acronyms, Initialisms & Abbreviations Dictionary includes terms that are local to specific foreign countries (and, as such, not eligible for inclusion in AIAD).

No attempt is made to list acronyms of local businesses or associations, local units of government, or other terms in limited use. Obsolete terms are retained for their historical interest.

Slight Distinctions Among Terms
Distinctions are not always made among the three terms used in the current title, nor are distinctions always necessary, since in many ways the definitions overlap. But the most commonly accepted, if somewhat simplified, explanations are as follows:

An acronym is composed of the initial letters or parts of a compound term. It is usually read or spoken as a single word, rather than letter by letter. Examples include RADAR (Radio Detection and Ranging) and LASER (Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation).

An initialism is also composed of the initial letters or parts of a compound term, but is generally verbalized letter by letter, rather than as a single word. Examples include PO (Post Office) and RPM (Revolutions per Minute).

An abbreviation is a shortened form of a word or words that does not follow the formation of either of the above. Examples include APR (April), PhD (Doctor of Philosophy), BCSTG (Broadcasting), and DR (Doctor).

Also included in AIAD are many alphabetic symbols, in which the letters used do not necessarily correspond to the words that they represent. Included in this category are R, a missile launch environment symbol for Ship, and T, representing Meridian Angle.

Need for a Guide Evident
Rumblings of discontent have surfaced through the years because of the overuse or misuse of acronyms, initialisms, and abbreviations. In a lecture presented before the International Congress of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dr. Anatole Sliosberg of the International Federation of Translators expressed his dismay over the abuses of "abbreviomania."

Whenever you open a scientific, technical, or economic publication, or even a daily newspaper, you are immediately struck by the number of apparently meaningless letter or syllable combinations which the most knowledgeable reader cannot decipher without the aid of a dictionary or a keen sense of divination.

The frustration of wrestling with inadequately identified designations or with the overuse of these terms is understandable. Yet, what H. L. Mencken called "the characteristic American habit of reducing complete concepts to starkest abbreviations" seems likely to continue unabated for some time. Accordingly, AIAD will continue to guide users through this expanding maze of linguistic shorthand.

Trends in the Field
Acronym formation often follows what might be termed the "chicken or egg" syndrome. Recent years have shown that when choosing a name or slogan, new organizations, ad hoc groups, or activist movements frequently select a colorful acronym first--one that they hope will spotlight their philosophy and be associated easily in the public mind with their ideas or purposes. The catchy acronym will then be fleshed out with more-or-less appropriate words. This back-formation is common with political groups, fundraising organizations, consumer-protection interests, and countless other topical coalitions.

A few editions ago, it was reported that there was a noticeable movement among corporations to abbreviate names, often because merger or expansion had rendered the original names meaningless or misleading. American District Telegraph Company changing its name to ADT, Incorporated, and U.S. Steel Corporation becoming USX Corporation are examples of this trend.

Another ongoing trend involves the creation of alternative translations to existing acronyms. These are usually facetious and sometimes quite clever. DT & I (Detroit, Toledo & Ironton Railroad) has also been translated as "Damned Tough and Independent"; IBM (International Business Machines Corp.) has been translated as "I Built a Macintosh"; PBS (Public Broadcasting Service) as "Petroleum Broadcasting Service"; and PhD (Philosophiae Doctor) as "Piled Higher and Deeper." Proper names can be turned into acronyms in a similar process. Ford (in reference to Ford Motor Company products) has been translated as "Fix or Repair Daily."

A related type of acronym formation occurs when an existing acronym is used as inspiration for other acronyms. The association MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) led to the formation of a related group, SADD (Students Against Driving Drunk; now Students Against Destructive Decisions!), and also to the creation of the satirical DAMM (Drinkers Against Mad Mothers). Similarly, the famous MGM (Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer) logo was the basis for MTM (Mary Tyler Moore) Productions, Inc.; and BC (Before Christ) has been updated to BV (Before Video).

One of the recent rapid proliferations of this type of spinoff formation was of the terms based on Yuppie (Young Urban Professional). Examples include Buppie (Black Urban Professional); Fuppie (Female Urban Professional); Guppie (Gay Urban Professional); and yetties (Young Entrepreneurial, Tech-Based Twenty-Somethings). The collection of this type of acronym currently exceeds eighty terms.

The Internet, online chat groups, and e-mail are responsible for another new trend in abbreviations. Internet lingo has brought hundreds of new terms, including addy (address), LOL (Laughing Out Loud), PPC (Pay-Per-Click), RTBS (Reason to Be Single), S4L (Spam for Life), and NMP (Not My Problem).

"Outstanding Reference Source"
New editions are prepared by adding thousands of previously unlisted terms and updating many entries from earlier editions. Substantial editorial research is required to ensure that the most complete and current information is provided. The editors were rewarded for their diligent efforts in 1985 when the Reference and Adult Services Division of the American Library Association selected AIAD as one of the twenty-five most distinguished reference titles published during the past quarter century. We take great pride in this achievement.

Available in Electronic Format
Licensing. AIAD is available for licensing. The complete database is provided in a fielded format and is deliverable on such media as disk or CD-ROM. For more information, contact Gale's Business Development Group at 1-800-877-GALE, or visit us on our Web site at www.gale.cengage.com/bizdev.

Suggestions Are Welcome
Many suggestions concerning individual terms to be included or subjects to be covered have been received from individual users and have been most helpful. The editors invite all such comments and will make every effort to incorporate them in future editions.

Preface

The use of acronyms and similar abbreviated terms is convenient, speedy, and particularly well suited to the needs of today's highly technical society. Rapid growth of this "language" and the need to eliminate guesswork in translating terms led to the publication of Acronyms, Initialisms & Abbreviations Dictionary (AIAD). For more than forty years, AIAD has served the needs of businesspeople, students, government officials, researchers, and other interested citizens whose work requires a high degree of accuracy.

What Is Included?
Most entries in AIAD are specifically identified with the United States. Thousands of British and Canadian terms can also be found. Other non-U.S. acronyms most likely to be encountered in magazines and daily newspapers are included as well. For users whose principal interest is foreign and international terms, a companion volume to the AIAD series is available. International Acronyms, Initialisms & Abbreviations Dictionary includes terms that are local to specific foreign countries (and, as such, not eligible for inclusion in AIAD).

No attempt is made to list acronyms of local businesses or associations, local units of government, or other terms in limited use. Obsolete terms are retained for their historical interest.

Slight Distinctions Among Terms
Distinctions are not always made among the three terms used in the current title, nor are distinctions always necessary, since in many ways the definitions overlap. But the most commonly accepted, if somewhat simplified, explanations are as follows:

An acronym is composed of the initial letters or parts of a compound term. It is usually read or spoken as a single word, rather than letter by letter. Examples include RADAR (Radio Detection and Ranging) and LASER (Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation).

An initialism is also composed of the initial letters or parts of a compound term, but is generally verbalized letter by letter, rather than as a single word. Examples include PO (Post Office) and RPM (Revolutions per Minute).

An abbreviation is a shortened form of a word or words that does not follow the formation of either of the above. Examples include APR (April), PhD (Doctor of Philosophy), BCSTG (Broadcasting), and DR (Doctor).

Also included in AIAD are many alphabetic symbols, in which the letters used do not necessarily correspond to the words that they represent. Included in this category are R, a missile launch environment symbol for Ship, and T, representing Meridian Angle.

Need for a Guide Evident
Rumblings of discontent have surfaced through the years because of the overuse or misuse of acronyms, initialisms, and abbreviations. In a lecture presented before the International Congress of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dr. Anatole Sliosberg of the International Federation of Translators expressed his dismay over the abuses of "abbreviomania."

Whenever you open a scientific, technical, or economic publication, or even a daily newspaper, you are immediately struck by the number of apparently meaningless letter or syllable combinations which the most knowledgeable reader cannot decipher without the aid of a dictionary or a keen sense of divination.

The frustration of wrestling with inadequately identified designations or with the overuse of these terms is understandable. Yet, what H. L. Mencken called "the characteristic American habit of reducing complete concepts to starkest abbreviations" seems likely to continue unabated for some time. Accordingly, AIAD will continue to guide users through this expanding maze of linguistic shorthand.

Trends in the Field
Acronym formation often follows what might be termed the "chicken or egg" syndrome. Recent years have shown that when choosing a name or slogan, new organizations, ad hoc groups, or activist movements frequently select a colorful acronym first--one that they hope will spotlight their philosophy and be associated easily in the public mind with their ideas or purposes. The catchy acronym will then be fleshed out with more-or-less appropriate words. This back-formation is common with political groups, fundraising organizations, consumer-protection interests, and countless other topical coalitions.

A few editions ago, it was reported that there was a noticeable movement among corporations to abbreviate names, often because merger or expansion had rendered the original names meaningless or misleading. American District Telegraph Company changing its name to ADT, Incorporated, and U.S. Steel Corporation becoming USX Corporation are examples of this trend.

Another ongoing trend involves the creation of alternative translations to existing acronyms. These are usually facetious and sometimes quite clever. DT & I (Detroit, Toledo & Ironton Railroad) has also been translated as "Damned Tough and Independent"; IBM (International Business Machines Corp.) has been translated as "I Built a Macintosh"; PBS (Public Broadcasting Service) as "Petroleum Broadcasting Service"; and PhD (Philosophiae Doctor) as "Piled Higher and Deeper." Proper names can be turned into acronyms in a similar process. Ford (in reference to Ford Motor Company products) has been translated as "Fix or Repair Daily."

A related type of acronym formation occurs when an existing acronym is used as inspiration for other acronyms. The association MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) led to the formation of a related group, SADD (Students Against Driving Drunk; now Students Against Destructive Decisions!), and also to the creation of the satirical DAMM (Drinkers Against Mad Mothers). Similarly, the famous MGM (Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer) logo was the basis for MTM (Mary Tyler Moore) Productions, Inc.; and BC (Before Christ) has been updated to BV (Before Video).

One of the recent rapid proliferations of this type of spinoff formation was of the terms based on Yuppie (Young Urban Professional). Examples include Buppie (Black Urban Professional); Fuppie (Female Urban Professional); Guppie (Gay Urban Professional); and yetties (Young Entrepreneurial, Tech-Based Twenty-Somethings). The collection of this type of acronym currently exceeds eighty terms.

The Internet, online chat groups, and e-mail are responsible for another new trend in abbreviations. Internet lingo has brought hundreds of new terms, including addy (address), LOL (Laughing Out Loud), PPC (Pay-Per-Click), RTBS (Reason to Be Single), S4L (Spam for Life), and NMP (Not My Problem).

"Outstanding Reference Source"
New editions are prepared by adding thousands of previously unlisted terms and updating many entries from earlier editions. Substantial editorial research is required to ensure that the most complete and current information is provided. The editors were rewarded for their diligent efforts in 1985 when the Reference and Adult Services Division of the American Library Association selected AIAD as one of the twenty-five most distinguished reference titles published during the past quarter century. We take great pride in this achievement.

Available in Electronic Format
Licensing. AIAD is available for licensing. The complete database is provided in a fielded format and is deliverable on such media as disk or CD-ROM. For more information, contact Gale's Business Development Group at 1-800-877-GALE, or visit us on our Web site at www.gale.cengage.com/bizdev.

Suggestions Are Welcome
Many suggestions concerning individual terms to be included or subjects to be covered have been received from individual users and have been most helpful. The editors invite all such comments and will make every effort to incorporate them in future editions.

Preface

The use of acronyms and similar abbreviated terms is convenient, speedy, and particularly well suited to the needs of today's highly technical society. Rapid growth of this "language" and the need to eliminate guesswork in translating terms led to the publication of Acronyms, Initialisms & Abbreviations Dictionary (AIAD). For more than forty years, AIAD has served the needs of businesspeople, students, government officials, researchers, and other interested citizens whose work requires a high degree of accuracy.

What Is Included?
Most entries in AIAD are specifically identified with the United States. Thousands of British and Canadian terms can also be found. Other non-U.S. acronyms most likely to be encountered in magazines and daily newspapers are included as well. For users whose principal interest is foreign and international terms, a companion volume to the AIAD series is available. International Acronyms, Initialisms & Abbreviations Dictionary includes terms that are local to specific foreign countries (and, as such, not eligible for inclusion in AIAD).

No attempt is made to list acronyms of local businesses or associations, local units of government, or other terms in limited use. Obsolete terms are retained for their historical interest.

Slight Distinctions Among Terms
Distinctions are not always made among the three terms used in the current title, nor are distinctions always necessary, since in many ways the definitions overlap. But the most commonly accepted, if somewhat simplified, explanations are as follows:

An acronym is composed of the initial letters or parts of a compound term. It is usually read or spoken as a single word, rather than letter by letter. Examples include RADAR (Radio Detection and Ranging) and LASER (Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation).

An initialism is also composed of the initial letters or parts of a compound term, but is generally verbalized letter by letter, rather than as a single word. Examples include PO (Post Office) and RPM (Revolutions per Minute).

An abbreviation is a shortened form of a word or words that does not follow the formation of either of the above. Examples include APR (April), PhD (Doctor of Philosophy), BCSTG (Broadcasting), and DR (Doctor).

Also included in AIAD are many alphabetic symbols, in which the letters used do not necessarily correspond to the words that they represent. Included in this category are R, a missile launch environment symbol for Ship, and T, representing Meridian Angle.

Need for a Guide Evident
Rumblings of discontent have surfaced through the years because of the overuse or misuse of acronyms, initialisms, and abbreviations. In a lecture presented before the International Congress of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dr. Anatole Sliosberg of the International Federation of Translators expressed his dismay over the abuses of "abbreviomania."

Whenever you open a scientific, technical, or economic publication, or even a daily newspaper, you are immediately struck by the number of apparently meaningless letter or syllable combinations which the most knowledgeable reader cannot decipher without the aid of a dictionary or a keen sense of divination.

The frustration of wrestling with inadequately identified designations or with the overuse of these terms is understandable. Yet, what H. L. Mencken called "the characteristic American habit of reducing complete concepts to starkest abbreviations" seems likely to continue unabated for some time. Accordingly, AIAD will continue to guide users through this expanding maze of linguistic shorthand.

Trends in the Field
Acronym formation often follows what might be termed the "chicken or egg" syndrome. Recent years have shown that when choosing a name or slogan, new organizations, ad hoc groups, or activist movements frequently select a colorful acronym first--one that they hope will spotlight their philosophy and be associated easily in the public mind with their ideas or purposes. The catchy acronym will then be fleshed out with more-or-less appropriate words. This back-formation is common with political groups, fundraising organizations, consumer-protection interests, and countless other topical coalitions.

A few editions ago, it was reported that there was a noticeable movement among corporations to abbreviate names, often because merger or expansion had rendered the original names meaningless or misleading. American District Telegraph Company changing its name to ADT, Incorporated, and U.S. Steel Corporation becoming USX Corporation are examples of this trend.

Another ongoing trend involves the creation of alternative translations to existing acronyms. These are usually facetious and sometimes quite clever. DT & I (Detroit, Toledo & Ironton Railroad) has also been translated as "Damned Tough and Independent"; IBM (International Business Machines Corp.) has been translated as "I Built a Macintosh"; PBS (Public Broadcasting Service) as "Petroleum Broadcasting Service"; and PhD (Philosophiae Doctor) as "Piled Higher and Deeper." Proper names can be turned into acronyms in a similar process. Ford (in reference to Ford Motor Company products) has been translated as "Fix or Repair Daily."

A related type of acronym formation occurs when an existing acronym is used as inspiration for other acronyms. The association MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) led to the formation of a related group, SADD (Students Against Driving Drunk; now Students Against Destructive Decisions!), and also to the creation of the satirical DAMM (Drinkers Against Mad Mothers). Similarly, the famous MGM (Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer) logo was the basis for MTM (Mary Tyler Moore) Productions, Inc.; and BC (Before Christ) has been updated to BV (Before Video).

One of the recent rapid proliferations of this type of spinoff formation was of the terms based on Yuppie (Young Urban Professional). Examples include Buppie (Black Urban Professional); Fuppie (Female Urban Professional); Guppie (Gay Urban Professional); and yetties (Young Entrepreneurial, Tech-Based Twenty-Somethings). The collection of this type of acronym currently exceeds eighty terms.

The Internet, online chat groups, and e-mail are responsible for another new trend in abbreviations. Internet lingo has brought hundreds of new terms, including addy (address), LOL (Laughing Out Loud), PPC (Pay-Per-Click), RTBS (Reason to Be Single), S4L (Spam for Life), and NMP (Not My Problem).

"Outstanding Reference Source"
New editions are prepared by adding thousands of previously unlisted terms and updating many entries from earlier editions. Substantial editorial research is required to ensure that the most complete and current information is provided. The editors were rewarded for their diligent efforts in 1985 when the Reference and Adult Services Division of the American Library Association selected AIAD as one of the twenty-five most distinguished reference titles published during the past quarter century. We take great pride in this achievement.

Available in Electronic Format
Licensing. AIAD is available for licensing. The complete database is provided in a fielded format and is deliverable on such media as disk or CD-ROM. For more information, contact Gale's Business Development Group at 1-800-877-GALE, or visit us on our Web site at www.gale.cengage.com/bizdev.

Suggestions Are Welcome
Many suggestions concerning individual terms to be included or subjects to be covered have been received from individual users and have been most helpful. The editors invite all such comments and will make every effort to incorporate them in future editions.

Preface

The use of acronyms and similar abbreviated terms is convenient, speedy, and particularly well suited to the needs of today's highly technical society. Rapid growth of this "language" and the need to eliminate guesswork in translating terms led to the publication of Acronyms, Initialisms & Abbreviations Dictionary (AIAD). For more than forty years, AIAD has served the needs of businesspeople, students, government officials, researchers, and other interested citizens whose work requires a high degree of accuracy.

What Is Included?
Most entries in AIAD are specifically identified with the United States. Thousands of British and Canadian terms can also be found. Other non-U.S. acronyms most likely to be encountered in magazines and daily newspapers are included as well. For users whose principal interest is foreign and international terms, a companion volume to the AIAD series is available. International Acronyms, Initialisms & Abbreviations Dictionary includes terms that are local to specific foreign countries (and, as such, not eligible for inclusion in AIAD).

No attempt is made to list acronyms of local businesses or associations, local units of government, or other terms in limited use. Obsolete terms are retained for their historical interest.

Slight Distinctions Among Terms
Distinctions are not always made among the three terms used in the current title, nor are distinctions always necessary, since in many ways the definitions overlap. But the most commonly accepted, if somewhat simplified, explanations are as follows:

An acronym is composed of the initial letters or parts of a compound term. It is usually read or spoken as a single word, rather than letter by letter. Examples include RADAR (Radio Detection and Ranging) and LASER (Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation).

An initialism is also composed of the initial letters or parts of a compound term, but is generally verbalized letter by letter, rather than as a single word. Examples include PO (Post Office) and RPM (Revolutions per Minute).

An abbreviation is a shortened form of a word or words that does not follow the formation of either of the above. Examples include APR (April), PhD (Doctor of Philosophy), BCSTG (Broadcasting), and DR (Doctor).

Also included in AIAD are many alphabetic symbols, in which the letters used do not necessarily correspond to the words that they represent. Included in this category are R, a missile launch environment symbol for Ship, and T, representing Meridian Angle.

Need for a Guide Evident
Rumblings of discontent have surfaced through the years because of the overuse or misuse of acronyms, initialisms, and abbreviations. In a lecture presented before the International Congress of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dr. Anatole Sliosberg of the International Federation of Translators expressed his dismay over the abuses of "abbreviomania."

Whenever you open a scientific, technical, or economic publication, or even a daily newspaper, you are immediately struck by the number of apparently meaningless letter or syllable combinations which the most knowledgeable reader cannot decipher without the aid of a dictionary or a keen sense of divination.

The frustration of wrestling with inadequately identified designations or with the overuse of these terms is understandable. Yet, what H. L. Mencken called "the characteristic American habit of reducing complete concepts to starkest abbreviations" seems likely to continue unabated for some time. Accordingly, AIAD will continue to guide users through this expanding maze of linguistic shorthand.

Trends in the Field
Acronym formation often follows what might be termed the "chicken or egg" syndrome. Recent years have shown that when choosing a name or slogan, new organizations, ad hoc groups, or activist movements frequently select a colorful acronym first--one that they hope will spotlight their philosophy and be associated easily in the public mind with their ideas or purposes. The catchy acronym will then be fleshed out with more-or-less appropriate words. This back-formation is common with political groups, fundraising organizations, consumer-protection interests, and countless other topical coalitions.

A few editions ago, it was reported that there was a noticeable movement among corporations to abbreviate names, often because merger or expansion had rendered the original names meaningless or misleading. American District Telegraph Company changing its name to ADT, Incorporated, and U.S. Steel Corporation becoming USX Corporation are examples of this trend.

Another ongoing trend involves the creation of alternative translations to existing acronyms. These are usually facetious and sometimes quite clever. DT & I (Detroit, Toledo & Ironton Railroad) has also been translated as "Damned Tough and Independent"; IBM (International Business Machines Corp.) has been translated as "I Built a Macintosh"; PBS (Public Broadcasting Service) as "Petroleum Broadcasting Service"; and PhD (Philosophiae Doctor) as "Piled Higher and Deeper." Proper names can be turned into acronyms in a similar process. Ford (in reference to Ford Motor Company products) has been translated as "Fix or Repair Daily."

A related type of acronym formation occurs when an existing acronym is used as inspiration for other acronyms. The association MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) led to the formation of a related group, SADD (Students Against Driving Drunk; now Students Against Destructive Decisions!), and also to the creation of the satirical DAMM (Drinkers Against Mad Mothers). Similarly, the famous MGM (Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer) logo was the basis for MTM (Mary Tyler Moore) Productions, Inc.; and BC (Before Christ) has been updated to BV (Before Video).

One of the recent rapid proliferations of this type of spinoff formation was of the terms based on Yuppie (Young Urban Professional). Examples include Buppie (Black Urban Professional); Fuppie (Female Urban Professional); Guppie (Gay Urban Professional); and yetties (Young Entrepreneurial, Tech-Based Twenty-Somethings). The collection of this type of acronym currently exceeds eighty terms.

The Internet, online chat groups, and e-mail are responsible for another new trend in abbreviations. Internet lingo has brought hundreds of new terms, including addy (address), LOL (Laughing Out Loud), PPC (Pay-Per-Click), RTBS (Reason to Be Single), S4L (Spam for Life), and NMP (Not My Problem).

"Outstanding Reference Source"
New editions are prepared by adding thousands of previously unlisted terms and updating many entries from earlier editions. Substantial editorial research is required to ensure that the most complete and current information is provided. The editors were rewarded for their diligent efforts in 1985 when the Reference and Adult Services Division of the American Library Association selected AIAD as one of the twenty-five most distinguished reference titles published during the past quarter century. We take great pride in this achievement.

Available in Electronic Format
Licensing. AIAD is available for licensing. The complete database is provided in a fielded format and is deliverable on such media as disk or CD-ROM. For more information, contact Gale's Business Development Group at 1-800-877-GALE, or visit us on our Web site at www.gale.cengage.com/bizdev.

Suggestions Are Welcome
Many suggestions concerning individual terms to be included or subjects to be covered have been received from individual users and have been most helpful. The editors invite all such comments and will make every effort to incorporate them in future editions.

Pre-Freshman and Cooperative Education for Minorities in Engineering (SAUS)

Preface

The use of acronyms and similar abbreviated terms is convenient, speedy, and particularly well suited to the needs of today's highly technical society. Rapid growth of this "language" and the need to eliminate guesswork in translating terms led to the publication of Acronyms, Initialisms & Abbreviations Dictionary (AIAD). For more than forty years, AIAD has served the needs of businesspeople, students, government officials, researchers, and other interested citizens whose work requires a high degree of accuracy.

What Is Included?
Most entries in AIAD are specifically identified with the United States. Thousands of British and Canadian terms can also be found. Other non-U.S. acronyms most likely to be encountered in magazines and daily newspapers are included as well. For users whose principal interest is foreign and international terms, a companion volume to the AIAD series is available. International Acronyms, Initialisms & Abbreviations Dictionary includes terms that are local to specific foreign countries (and, as such, not eligible for inclusion in AIAD).

No attempt is made to list acronyms of local businesses or associations, local units of government, or other terms in limited use. Obsolete terms are retained for their historical interest.

Slight Distinctions Among Terms
Distinctions are not always made among the three terms used in the current title, nor are distinctions always necessary, since in many ways the definitions overlap. But the most commonly accepted, if somewhat simplified, explanations are as follows:

An acronym is composed of the initial letters or parts of a compound term. It is usually read or spoken as a single word, rather than letter by letter. Examples include RADAR (Radio Detection and Ranging) and LASER (Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation).

An initialism is also composed of the initial letters or parts of a compound term, but is generally verbalized letter by letter, rather than as a single word. Examples include PO (Post Office) and RPM (Revolutions per Minute).

An abbreviation is a shortened form of a word or words that does not follow the formation of either of the above. Examples include APR (April), PhD (Doctor of Philosophy), BCSTG (Broadcasting), and DR (Doctor).

Also included in AIAD are many alphabetic symbols, in which the letters used do not necessarily correspond to the words that they represent. Included in this category are R, a missile launch environment symbol for Ship, and T, representing Meridian Angle.

Need for a Guide Evident
Rumblings of discontent have surfaced through the years because of the overuse or misuse of acronyms, initialisms, and abbreviations. In a lecture presented before the International Congress of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dr. Anatole Sliosberg of the International Federation of Translators expressed his dismay over the abuses of "abbreviomania."

Whenever you open a scientific, technical, or economic publication, or even a daily newspaper, you are immediately struck by the number of apparently meaningless letter or syllable combinations which the most knowledgeable reader cannot decipher without the aid of a dictionary or a keen sense of divination.

The frustration of wrestling with inadequately identified designations or with the overuse of these terms is understandable. Yet, what H. L. Mencken called "the characteristic American habit of reducing complete concepts to starkest abbreviations" seems likely to continue unabated for some time. Accordingly, AIAD will continue to guide users through this expanding maze of linguistic shorthand.

Trends in the Field
Acronym formation often follows what might be termed the "chicken or egg" syndrome. Recent years have shown that when choosing a name or slogan, new organizations, ad hoc groups, or activist movements frequently select a colorful acronym first--one that they hope will spotlight their philosophy and be associated easily in the public mind with their ideas or purposes. The catchy acronym will then be fleshed out with more-or-less appropriate words. This back-formation is common with political groups, fundraising organizations, consumer-protection interests, and countless other topical coalitions.

A few editions ago, it was reported that there was a noticeable movement among corporations to abbreviate names, often because merger or expansion had rendered the original names meaningless or misleading. American District Telegraph Company changing its name to ADT, Incorporated, and U.S. Steel Corporation becoming USX Corporation are examples of this trend.

Another ongoing trend involves the creation of alternative translations to existing acronyms. These are usually facetious and sometimes quite clever. DT & I (Detroit, Toledo & Ironton Railroad) has also been translated as "Damned Tough and Independent"; IBM (International Business Machines Corp.) has been translated as "I Built a Macintosh"; PBS (Public Broadcasting Service) as "Petroleum Broadcasting Service"; and PhD (Philosophiae Doctor) as "Piled Higher and Deeper." Proper names can be turned into acronyms in a similar process. Ford (in reference to Ford Motor Company products) has been translated as "Fix or Repair Daily."

A related type of acronym formation occurs when an existing acronym is used as inspiration for other acronyms. The association MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) led to the formation of a related group, SADD (Students Against Driving Drunk; now Students Against Destructive Decisions!), and also to the creation of the satirical DAMM (Drinkers Against Mad Mothers). Similarly, the famous MGM (Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer) logo was the basis for MTM (Mary Tyler Moore) Productions, Inc.; and BC (Before Christ) has been updated to BV (Before Video).

One of the recent rapid proliferations of this type of spinoff formation was of the terms based on Yuppie (Young Urban Professional). Examples include Buppie (Black Urban Professional); Fuppie (Female Urban Professional); Guppie (Gay Urban Professional); and yetties (Young Entrepreneurial, Tech-Based Twenty-Somethings). The collection of this type of acronym currently exceeds eighty terms.

The Internet, online chat groups, and e-mail are responsible for another new trend in abbreviations. Internet lingo has brought hundreds of new terms, including addy (address), LOL (Laughing Out Loud), PPC (Pay-Per-Click), RTBS (Reason to Be Single), S4L (Spam for Life), and NMP (Not My Problem).

"Outstanding Reference Source"
New editions are prepared by adding thousands of previously unlisted terms and updating many entries from earlier editions. Substantial editorial research is required to ensure that the most complete and current information is provided. The editors were rewarded for their diligent efforts in 1985 when the Reference and Adult Services Division of the American Library Association selected AIAD as one of the twenty-five most distinguished reference titles published during the past quarter century. We take great pride in this achievement.

Available in Electronic Format
Licensing. AIAD is available for licensing. The complete database is provided in a fielded format and is deliverable on such media as disk or CD-ROM. For more information, contact Gale's Business Development Group at 1-800-877-GALE, or visit us on our Web site at www.gale.cengage.com/bizdev.

Suggestions Are Welcome
Many suggestions concerning individual terms to be included or subjects to be covered have been received from individual users and have been most helpful. The editors invite all such comments and will make every effort to incorporate them in future editions.

Preface

The use of acronyms and similar abbreviated terms is convenient, speedy, and particularly well suited to the needs of today's highly technical society. Rapid growth of this "language" and the need to eliminate guesswork in translating terms led to the publication of Acronyms, Initialisms & Abbreviations Dictionary (AIAD). For more than forty years, AIAD has served the needs of businesspeople, students, government officials, researchers, and other interested citizens whose work requires a high degree of accuracy.

What Is Included?
Most entries in AIAD are specifically identified with the United States. Thousands of British and Canadian terms can also be found. Other non-U.S. acronyms most likely to be encountered in magazines and daily newspapers are included as well. For users whose principal interest is foreign and international terms, a companion volume to the AIAD series is available. International Acronyms, Initialisms & Abbreviations Dictionary includes terms that are local to specific foreign countries (and, as such, not eligible for inclusion in AIAD).

No attempt is made to list acronyms of local businesses or associations, local units of government, or other terms in limited use. Obsolete terms are retained for their historical interest.

Slight Distinctions Among Terms
Distinctions are not always made among the three terms used in the current title, nor are distinctions always necessary, since in many ways the definitions overlap. But the most commonly accepted, if somewhat simplified, explanations are as follows:

An acronym is composed of the initial letters or parts of a compound term. It is usually read or spoken as a single word, rather than letter by letter. Examples include RADAR (Radio Detection and Ranging) and LASER (Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation).

An initialism is also composed of the initial letters or parts of a compound term, but is generally verbalized letter by letter, rather than as a single word. Examples include PO (Post Office) and RPM (Revolutions per Minute).

An abbreviation is a shortened form of a word or words that does not follow the formation of either of the above. Examples include APR (April), PhD (Doctor of Philosophy), BCSTG (Broadcasting), and DR (Doctor).

Also included in AIAD are many alphabetic symbols, in which the letters used do not necessarily correspond to the words that they represent. Included in this category are R, a missile launch environment symbol for Ship, and T, representing Meridian Angle.

Need for a Guide Evident
Rumblings of discontent have surfaced through the years because of the overuse or misuse of acronyms, initialisms, and abbreviations. In a lecture presented before the International Congress of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dr. Anatole Sliosberg of the International Federation of Translators expressed his dismay over the abuses of "abbreviomania."

Whenever you open a scientific, technical, or economic publication, or even a daily newspaper, you are immediately struck by the number of apparently meaningless letter or syllable combinations which the most knowledgeable reader cannot decipher without the aid of a dictionary or a keen sense of divination.

The frustration of wrestling with inadequately identified designations or with the overuse of these terms is understandable. Yet, what H. L. Mencken called "the characteristic American habit of reducing complete concepts to starkest abbreviations" seems likely to continue unabated for some time. Accordingly, AIAD will continue to guide users through this expanding maze of linguistic shorthand.

Trends in the Field
Acronym formation often follows what might be termed the "chicken or egg" syndrome. Recent years have shown that when choosing a name or slogan, new organizations, ad hoc groups, or activist movements frequently select a colorful acronym first--one that they hope will spotlight their philosophy and be associated easily in the public mind with their ideas or purposes. The catchy acronym will then be fleshed out with more-or-less appropriate words. This back-formation is common with political groups, fundraising organizations, consumer-protection interests, and countless other topical coalitions.

A few editions ago, it was reported that there was a noticeable movement among corporations to abbreviate names, often because merger or expansion had rendered the original names meaningless or misleading. American District Telegraph Company changing its name to ADT, Incorporated, and U.S. Steel Corporation becoming USX Corporation are examples of this trend.

Another ongoing trend involves the creation of alternative translations to existing acronyms. These are usually facetious and sometimes quite clever. DT & I (Detroit, Toledo & Ironton Railroad) has also been translated as "Damned Tough and Independent"; IBM (International Business Machines Corp.) has been translated as "I Built a Macintosh"; PBS (Public Broadcasting Service) as "Petroleum Broadcasting Service"; and PhD (Philosophiae Doctor) as "Piled Higher and Deeper." Proper names can be turned into acronyms in a similar process. Ford (in reference to Ford Motor Company products) has been translated as "Fix or Repair Daily."

A related type of acronym formation occurs when an existing acronym is used as inspiration for other acronyms. The association MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) led to the formation of a related group, SADD (Students Against Driving Drunk; now Students Against Destructive Decisions!), and also to the creation of the satirical DAMM (Drinkers Against Mad Mothers). Similarly, the famous MGM (Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer) logo was the basis for MTM (Mary Tyler Moore) Productions, Inc.; and BC (Before Christ) has been updated to BV (Before Video).

One of the recent rapid proliferations of this type of spinoff formation was of the terms based on Yuppie (Young Urban Professional). Examples include Buppie (Black Urban Professional); Fuppie (Female Urban Professional); Guppie (Gay Urban Professional); and yetties (Young Entrepreneurial, Tech-Based Twenty-Somethings). The collection of this type of acronym currently exceeds eighty terms.

The Internet, online chat groups, and e-mail are responsible for another new trend in abbreviations. Internet lingo has brought hundreds of new terms, including addy (address), LOL (Laughing Out Loud), PPC (Pay-Per-Click), RTBS (Reason to Be Single), S4L (Spam for Life), and NMP (Not My Problem).

"Outstanding Reference Source"
New editions are prepared by adding thousands of previously unlisted terms and updating many entries from earlier editions. Substantial editorial research is required to ensure that the most complete and current information is provided. The editors were rewarded for their diligent efforts in 1985 when the Reference and Adult Services Division of the American Library Association selected AIAD as one of the twenty-five most distinguished reference titles published during the past quarter century. We take great pride in this achievement.

Available in Electronic Format
Licensing. AIAD is available for licensing. The complete database is provided in a fielded format and is deliverable on such media as disk or CD-ROM. For more information, contact Gale's Business Development Group at 1-800-877-GALE, or visit us on our Web site at www.gale.cengage.com/bizdev.

Suggestions Are Welcome
Many suggestions concerning individual terms to be included or subjects to be covered have been received from individual users and have been most helpful. The editors invite all such comments and will make every effort to incorporate them in future editions.