Let's all learn what an acronym is

does MODEM count as an acronym? or not because it uses more than the first letter of the words?
 
orderoftheflame said:
Another myth. Invented by Alexander Flemming for Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
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Exactly as Gilly says, I was just highlighting that it was another where people tried to create an explanation for the word irrespective of the actual etymology.

touch said:
does MODEM count as an acronym? or not because it uses more than the first letter of the words?
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Acronyms don't have to use only the first letter (see RADAR/SONAR in the original post) so yes, MODEM is an acronym. In fact it is so common we scarcely even think of the words it is formed from.
 
callmeBadger said:
My favorite one used at work.
PICNIC - Problem In Chair Not In Computer
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Or PEBKAC - Problem exists between keyboard and chair :)

With regards to the PIN number or BES server type ones, if you ask someone for their PI number you will most likely get a blank expression or a "What?!" in return. Although it might be grammatically correct, everyone knows what you're talking about.
 
Radar uses more than one letter of the first constituent word and is an acronym..

(and has since been added to the dictionary and thus is a true word)
 
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