2.6. Using Acronyms

There are a number of ‘acronyms’ that are in common usage on the newsgroups, (and e-mail IRC, etc.). They are mostly there to quickly convey the intent of the writer. As with all jargon, if the reader does not understand what it means, the communication fails. So, we would humbly suggest that if you use an acronym not on the following “Most Common” list, that you should ask whether your readers will understand what you are saying. (Unless that is the point? – as in IITYWIMIWHTKY).

AFAIK: As Far As I Know
BTW: By The Way
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
FWIW: For What It’s Worth
FYI: For Your Information
IMO: In My Opinion
IMHO: In My Humble Opinion
IMNSHO: In My Not So Humble Opinion
IIRC: If I Recall Correctly
IRL: In Real Life
LOL: Laughing Out Loud
NG: Newsgroup
OTOH: On The Other Hand
POV: Point Of View
ROTFL: Rolling On The Floor Laughing
ROTFLOL: Rolling On The Floor Laughing Out Loud
ROTFLMAO: Rolling On The Floor Laughing My Ass Off, (getting a little silly now…)
RSN: Real Soon Now, (if ever) (As in “The FAQ will be updated again, Real Soon Now…)
RTFM: Read The Fine Manual, (or any other F-word of your own choice…)
RTFF: Read The Fine FAQ
YABA: Yet Another Bloody Acronym – a reminder for us not to get carried away with these!

Posted in: 2. Usenet