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acronyms and abbreviations
free acronyms and abbreviations finder and definitions - business,                         training, medical, military, technical, funny - acronyms, backronyms and                         abbreviations meanings
Some of these acronyms could be considered 'politically                                 incorrect', including a few which could be interpreted to be rude or offensive.                                 As such be careful how and where you use them. And if you are easily offended                                 please don't read the page.
This free acronyms and abbreviations finder is a dictionary of                             useful acronyms and abbreviations for training, learning, teaching, etc. This                             collection is also a study in language and communications. This acronyms list                             contains acronyms and abbreviations, and 'backronyms' (acronyms constructed                             restrospectively to fit a word), with origins in the armed forces, healthcare,                             IT and various other business and training fields, including funny lifestyle                             and social acronyms and abbreviations.
The acronyms and abbreviations in this listing can therefore be                             used for various purposes: for simple amusement; for finding unknown meanings;                             for illustrating and emphasising points that you wish to make in training or                             speaking or presentations; and for examples of how language and expressions                             develop and evolve. Whatever, acronyms and abbreviations add colour and texture                             to the written and spoken word, and to life in general. They are a fascinating                             reflection of the development of communications, language and social                             attitudes.
Strictly speaking, acronyms are words formed from the abbreviations                             of others, but as you'll see, many of these acronyms aren't words at all, and                             even some of the best known acronyms like LASER and RADAR have bent the acronym                             rules.
 
'backronyms' (or 'bacronyms' - reverse acronyms)
Some acronyms, usually amusing and ironic, are formed in reverse,                             i.e., by starting with a word, especially a brand name, or an existing acronym,                             and finding new words to fit each of the letters, for example the 'bacronyms'                             made from ACRONYM and YAHOO . The amusing term for these types of acronyms                             is 'backronyms' (or 'bacronyms'). Backronyms feature strongly in the acronyms                             created from aviation and airlines and automotive and car make names, and in corporate name backronyms such as DIAGEO , and more recently AIG .
The bacronym or reverse acronym device is not new, as seen in the                             old GWR interpretation. Two notable and                             quite different examples of bacronyms being used to positive effect are ASDA and PIG . Bacronyms                             are often created as hoax explanations for the origins of certain swear words.                             The word 'bacronym' is a portmanteau word - which is a                             combination of two others, in this case combining the words 'back' and                             'acronym'.
 
acronyms and abbreviations
Acronyms, whether true acronyms or not, and abbreviations, add                             colour, fun and interest to our language, and thereby they act as mnemonics, or                             memory devices. Many technical and process-related acronyms and abbreviations                             greatly assist in memory retention and learning.
Many acronyms and abbreviations when used properly can certainly                             enhance communications, because they act as 'short-hand' and therefore increase                             the efficiency of communications; in other words, more meaning is conveyed in                             less time and fewer words.
Many acronyms and abbreviations are also motivational and                             inspirational for training, because they contain a special theme, and because                             the acronym or abbreviation itself is a mnemonic device (a memory aid). Some of                             these acronyms and abbreviations originated as far back as the 1940s (notably                             the 2nd World War), and a few probably the early 1900s (notably the 1st World                             War). Many other abbreviations listed here are far more recent. Many older                             acronyms provide fascinating examples of the development of language and                             changing cultural attitudes. Latterly similar dark and cynical humour is                             evidenced in the development of acronyms and abbreviations relating to the                             field of customer service, especially in the contexts of IT and healthcare, for                             which an additional healthcare                             acronyms listing appears below separately, due to its richness and                             diversity....
Also, increasingly, lifestyle groupings and demographics profiles                             are providing fertile subject matter for acronyms - a separate listing of lifestyle and demographics acronyms appears                             below.
When using acronyms and abbreviations for serious and intentionally                             open communications ensure that definitions and meanings are understood or                             explained, or the acronym defeats its own purpose. It's advisable that if using                             acronyms in reports and other important communications, such as instructions,                             manuals, procedures, and training materials, you should include a glossary of                             acronyms and abbreviations, which hopefully enables the audience to understand                             the meanings involved.
Automotive                             acronyms (actually these are 'backronyms', since they are retrospective                             constructions), lifestyle/demographics profiles                             acronyms and healthcare                             acronyms are listed in separate sections below. Some of these acronyms and                             'backronyms' also appear with more details and explanations in the main                             acronyms listing.
acronyms and abbreviations main listing
acronyms, abbreviations, menmonics, bacronyms for learning and                         amusement
A3
Any time, Any place, Anywhere. Popular texting abbreviation                             (ack J Lewis). The expression actually originated from a 1960s/70s Martini TV                             advert in which the song went: Any time, any place, anywhere, There's a magical                             world we can share (??), It's the right one, it's the bright one, It's (Thats                             ?) Martini... Other variations of lyrics following the opening line were used                             in more recent years (It's a new world, Me and you girl..). Suggestions on a                             postcard please as to the original words (and ad agency, composer, etc), and                             later versions. The word Martini in the context of media has now assumed an                             amusing additional modern meaning, referring to mobile and on-demand                             communications and media, and is also used as an ironic reference to someone exhibiting particularly flexible or pragmatic tendencies, especially                             politicians who pander to views and support for personal advantage above                             ethical considerations.
A2O
Apples To Oranges. Acronym to highlight any inappropriate                             comparison; a modern shorthand for 'chalk and cheese'.
A2HS
Age, Build, Clothes, Distinguishing marks, Elevation, Face, Gait,                             Hair, Sex. Acronym used by UK armed forces and services staff for                             identifying people involved in incidents or crime.
AAA
Alive, Alert, Aggressive. One of very many triple-A acronyms.                             Somewhat macho but catchy nevertheless, and not a bad rallying call for self or                             team in a variety of situations (visit to the dentist, disaster de-debriefing                             with scary CEO, public speaking pep-talk, etc.) Apparently originated in the                             Seal Cove fishing community on Grand Manan Island in the Bay of Fundy, New                             Brunswick... (Ack G Myers) And by way of extending the theme:
AAAA
Association Against Acronym Abuse. (Ack P Vallee).
ABC
Always Be Closing. Traditional selling process acronym which                             emphasises the need to be continually moving the customer towards action and                             agreement within sales discussions (ack T Rowe). ABC (along with ABC1) also                             refers to the JICNARS demographics system of social grades                             classifications, and to the Airway, Breathing, Circulation first-aid                             reminder of what to check first in a casualty.
ABCD
Above and Beyond the Call of Duty. Whether this acronym                             originated in the armed services is not clear. These days it is just as                             applicable to the civilian work environment, and particularly the need to                             ensure a healthy work-life-balance. A reminder also for all managers and                             corporations that people who go the extra mile, beyond normal expectations, are                             to be treasured and suitably rewarded, not exploited. (ack T Rowe)
 
ACRONYM
Abbreviated Coded Rendition Of Name Yielding Meaning. Fine                             example of the 'backronym' art and very apt                             for near top of the list. A wonderful talking point for dinner parties, (thanks                             Ralph Johnston). Additionally and equally impressively: Alphabetically                             Correct Representation Of Neologically Yclept Magniloquence (thanks B                             Coates). Here's what the unusual words mean: Neologically (describing a                             word that has been newly created, from French 'neologisme', meaning a newly                             created word); Yclept (meaning 'so called', or 'going by the name of',                             derived from an even older English word, 'gecleopod', the past participle of                             'cleopian', meaning 'call', in turn from old Germanic language); Magniloquence (meaning 'the use of grand or powerful language' - from                             Latin 'magnus', great, and 'loquus', speaking).
ACRONYMS
Absurdly Contrived Representations Of Names Yielding Mass                             Stupefication. As above.. (Thanks A Brady)
ACORN
A Classification Of Residential Neighbourhoods. Acronym for                             the CACI Ltd research organization's system of demographics classifications,                             used for consumer marketing in the UK. More                             about ACORN and other demographics classifications . In the US, ACORN also                             stands for the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now,                             which claims to be the USA's largest community organization representing                             low-income and moderate-income families, "...working together for social                             justice and stronger communities..."
ACT
Action Conquers Terror. Straight to the point, very true,                             no-nonsense acronym (thanks P Myers). The human body and mind are capable of                             far more than we realise. Fears are truly conquered when we confront them.                             Action exposes fears and 'can't do' feelings as purely attitudinal. Action                             looks forward - completely disregarding the past or habit and inertia. Action -                             to start something new or to overcome an obstacle - is the simplest and surest                             way to make a change. See also JFDI .
ADDIE
Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, Evaluation. The process of innovation, any field at all. Deviate from it at your peril.                             (Ack. Don Clark)
ADIDAS
All Day I Dream About Sex/All Day I Dream About Shoes. Perhaps the best of the wonderful ADIDAS backronyms (Thanks respectively PF and                             S Morissette). There are more and weirder ones in the ADIDAS entry in corporanyms section . If you have                             others to share feel free to send them . These                             backronyms are not a reference to the Adidas company, merely wordplay using the                             name.
AEOBE
... Overcome/Overtaken By Events? (or maybe ... Or Be Eaten?) It's a mystery. If you know please contact us .This seems to be a US armed forces acronym                             from WWII. See the pictures, kindly provided by Lorna. The picture is on a wall                             in a house in Liverpool, left by US troops billeted there in the Second World                             War. The AEOBE acronym is on the left breast of the soldier aiming the                             catapult. On the front of the Jeep the acronym SNAFU can be seen above the radiator                             grille. Thanks Lorna for these fine pictures, and C Yates and R Reid for the                             suggestions that the last three letters possibly/probably stand for Overcome                             By Events/Overtaken By Events. OBE is seemingly used in this way in US                             Defense and US Defense contracting, referring to plans or situations rendered                             obsolete for the reason implied. Apparently novelist Tom Clancy has used the                             term in this context. Maybe Attack Enemy Or Be Eaten (thanks T                             Baldridge), Always Eat Or Be Eaten (P Mead), Americans Eat Or Be                             Eaten (D Gregoire), or what about Adapt, Evade, Overcome By                             Endurance (J Patterson).
AEIOU DDD
Apoplexy, Epilepsy, Injury, Opium or other drugs, Uraemia, Dead Drunk and Diabetes. Medical acronym and useful mnemonic for remembering the                             different possible diagnoses of unconsciousness. (Ack Dr Duffield)
AFLO
Another Flipping Learning Opportunity. A big mistake or                             onerous task. (Ack JC)
AFOL
All Fine On Leaving. (ODSA) Nurses abbreviation on patient                             notes.
AFTO
Ask For The Order. The 'psychological imperative' and one of                             the most important rules of selling, despite which, millions of sales people                             usually forget it.
AGA
Acute Gravity Attack. (ODSA) In other words, the patient fell                             over, from Nova Scotia orthopaedics and no doubt used elsewhere. See also PAFO.                             (Ack KP)
AHOYA
Asshole Of The Year Award. From the consumer electrical                             equipment repair industry, although widely applicable elsewhere. An amusing                             acronym which all decent folk can privately enjoy when faced with irrational,                             threatening, anti-social behaviour and those exhibiting it, be they ignorant                             customers, bullying bosses, or aggressive next-door-neighbours, etc. (ack PM                             Christian)
 
AIDA
Attention, Interest, Desire, Action. Your communications and                             communications processes in selling, advertising or any other efforts designed                             to motivate others to action must follow this sequence to succeed. The AIDA                             acronym is also extended to AIDCA, in which the 'C' is for Commitment or                             Conviction (on the part of the customer or audience), although many would                             assert that this is wholly implicit within 'Action'. AIDA is a fundamentally                             powerful and useful communications model. It is also known as the Hierarchy of                             Effects. See AIDA in sales training                             theory .
AKA
Also Known As. An remarkable acronym that's now so well                             established that it's virtually become a word, and certainly requires no                             reference to the original source words to be immediately understood. Aka is                             truly up there with the all-time great acronyms like radar, scuba, quango and                             yuppie.
AKUTA
A Kick Up The Arse/Ass. Motivational method of debatable                             value and limited use, rarely well timed or utilized (see the Aristotle quote about anger). In                             any event AKUTA is generally more effective when self-administered.
ALF
Always Listen First. Obviously great for training sessions                             generally, also counselling, customer service, selling, etc, and relationships                             overall. (Ack. M Booth)
ALITALIA
Airplane Lands In Turin And Luggage In Ancona. Air travel                             acronym (strictly speaking a 'backronym' or                             'bacronym') for those frustrating lost luggage moments. The metaphor is                             universal of course, although there would be certain destinations that could                             substitute and fit perfectly: Turkey, Tangiers, Australia, Alaska, etc. (Ack M                             Janes) Alternative meaning Always Late In Take-off Always Late In                             Arrival (Ack Chin). N.B. No offence intended towards Alitalia organization                             - these terms are generic and for comment on air travel experiences in general.                             More aviation acronyms are in the airlines acronyms list .
ALO
A Learning Opportunity. Generally something you'd rather not                             do that someone else has decided will be 'good for you'... (Ack. JC)
AMAT
All Mouth And Trousers. Acronym version of an old English                             expression. See also BHNC .
AOX3
Alert, Oriented times 3 (person, place, time). Nurses' and                             doctors shorthand used on patients' notes; this acronym transfers especially                             well to training sessions, to highlight the characteristics of someone fully                             alert and aware (and paying attention to the tutor). See also MEGO.
APB
All-Points Bulletin. The classic USA police alert, as                             featured at least fifty times in every single episode of Hawaii Five-O, Cagney                             and Lacey, Kojak, Starsky and Hutch....
APE
Attentive, Peripheral, Empathic. The three main types of                             listening. Empathic listening is the skill of understanding meaning and motive                         in another's words, a considerably powerful ability.
ARK
A Random act of Kindness. This is one of the most powerful forms of leadership. It can be performed by anyone, for anyone - and is entirely free of many of the usual constraints and restrictions found in conventional appreciations of leadership. No title or authority is required. There is typically no cost, other than a little time, although the giver may decide to spend personal funds towards the act. No permission or approval is required, provided it is offered sensitively and the recipient is given the opportunity to  decline the offer, although   recipients generally accept, and then become empowered and motivated to perform their own ARKs  for others. We do not need to be wealthy or in high office to perform  ARKs. In fact we become enriched by giving. A Random act of Kindness  can change lives. The concept  can change the world. It is an element of, and relates strongly to, Servant Leadership (see Leadership Theories and see Love ).
ARPU
Annualised Revenues Per User. ARPU is a favourite and                             fundamental financial measure used by the big consumer services corporations,                             especially the massive global corporations in the broadcast, telephony and                             internet sectors. ARPU basically represents the average sales or billing value                             that the corporation is able to extract from each customer in a year. ARPU in                             the collective and inter-related markets of telephony, entertainment,                             information, internet connectivity and broadcast is likely to be threatened by                             the progressive development and availability of free or low-cost technology and                             content, the growth of which is arguably bound to squeeze the life out of some                             very large traditional profit-driven corporations now caught between two                             irresistible market forces: at one end by the free user-based content enabled                             by the world wide web, and at the other end by free broadband connectivity (and                             subsequent technologies) enabled by local and national schemes to establish                             free high-speed big-capacity 'wi-fi' access for everyone, on the basis that                             such infrastructure is vital for local and national competitiveness. This                             battle for control of content and internet distribution - now under way - will                             become one of the defining global issues of the modern age.
ART
Assuming Room Temperature. Paramedic term for the condition                             of a patient when all hope is gone, ie., dead. Technically only a physician can                             declare someone dead, so the paramedics use this acronym to get around the                             protocol, not least when absence of life would be obvious to even a blind                             gerbil. In this context, 'assuming room temperature' means that since the                             patient is dead their body is no longer regulating its own temperature and                             instead is 'assuming the temperature of the ambient'. (Ack T Easton)
ASBO
Anti-Social Behaviour Order. A controversial UK crime                             prevention mechanism in the form of a civil restriction issued by a                             magistrate's court, placed on a person who is deemed to have committed a public                             nuisance offence, which for example instructs the person not to visit a                             specified location, or to engage in a particular activity. By their nature                             ASBOs are not easy to enforce and their effectiveness has been long debated.                             The acronym term has grown to be used as a word referring to a type of young                             delinquent person associated with public nuisance offences and a recipient of                             the order. It is surprising that a bacronym seems not yet to have been devised                             for this abbreviation; perhaps one has. Let me know.
ASDA
Age, Site, Depth, Area. This acronym illustrates the                             immensely useful aspect of the acronym as a teaching and communications device,                             aside from its value as a branding method. First, ASDA is memorable because it                             is the name of the UK supermarket chain, now owned by Walmart, but named ASDA                             in 1965 via the contraction of 'Asquith and Dairies' (not Associated Dairies,                             as commonly believed). The alternative recent 'bacronym' interpretation is a very clever                             technical healthcare acronym (ack Paul) used in emergency assessment of burns                             victims, devised by the Specialist Burns Unit at Whiston Hospital in                             Merseyside, used by the Merseyside Regional Ambulance service and no doubt                             elsewhere too. Age = age of patient; Site = where on the body; Depth = depth in                             mm or superficial/partial thickness/full thickness (redlining of                             skin/blister/all skin damaged charred); and Area = area of burn, usually given                             as a percentage of body area according to the ingenious 'rule of nines', a                             methodology based on proportions, because people are different sizes. The 'rule                             of nines' divides the body into eleven sections: head, chest, abdomen, upper                             and lower back, each arm, each thigh and each lower leg. Each section                             represents 9% of total body area. The balancing 1% is reserved for the                             genitals, which arguably would constitute the greatest emergency burn of them                             all. In one acronym we see many different aspects of how we use language and                             systems to enhance understanding, awareness and procedures. Fascinating.
ASK
Activity, Skills, Knowledge. Super acronym for training and                             development, especially sales and account management, since these three                             components are essential for success and productive performance. Arguably the                             order should be Knowledge, Skills, Activity, as this would be the order of                             training, but 'SKA' doesn't have quite the same ring. Alternative                             interpretation especially for roles where activity is reactive rather than                             proactively motivated, can be Attitude, Skills, Knowledge. (Ack RC)
ASTRO
Always Stating The Really Obvious. Various uses at work and                             play. Similar to calling a person 'Captain Obvious', which is very amusing as                             well. See also STBO. (Ack D)
ATNA
All Talk No Action. See also BHNC.
AWOL
Absent Without Leave. Military acronym, which implied a few                             days in the punishment block for the absconder when apprehended, the expression                             is now well established in life generally and applied to any missing, lost or                             wandered-off person or item causing breach of rules or mere inconvenience. An alternative meaning (ack A Gow) of AWOL applies in the healthcare                             industry as an abbreviation on patients' notes: All Well On Leaving.
AVPU
Alert, Voice, Pain, Unresponsive. First aiders training                             acronym used in casualty assessment, relating to a victim's level of response:                             A means Alert; V means responds to Voice; P means responds to Pain; U means                             Unresponsive, (ack G Chamberlain). AVPU is a descending scale of brain state in                             which 'alert' is the highest level of conscious control and awareness, down to                             'unresponsive', which is effectively unconscious or worse. When a casualty's                             condition moves down the AVPU scale this logically signifies a deepening affect                             on the brain. AVPU is a simplification and quick test based on the more complex                             Glasgow Coma Scale, devised by neurosurgery professors Graham Teasdale and                             Bryan Jennett of Glasgow University in 1974 (thanks G Wylie). Less                             conventionally the AVPU acronym might also be used as an interesting and                             amusing reference point in discussing or illustrating the 'fight or fight'                             unconscious reaction experienced in highly stressful situations such as public                             speaking, in which the higher levels or outer layers of the brain are                             temporarily shut down or over-ridden by the deeper parts of the brain                             associated with fundamental survival and bodily function.
AWTF
Away With The Fairies. Medical/healthcare acronym from the                             ODSA stable. No longer politically correct in the clinical arena, this term is                             used on notes or charts to denote a patient who is in a confused or demented                             state. Doctors and nurses should use with extreme care, if at all, as it has                             become commonly known in recent years and relatives tend to get a little                             miffed. Having said which, the term is perfectly apt in the boardroom or shop                             floor if referring to senile old directors grimly hanging on to their old                             fashioned notions, as well as their dead men's shoes. (Ack Richard Beard)
2BC/2
Too Bloody Clever by Half. Polite and reasonably safe                             alternative to the fruitier 2FC/2 version. A warning for self or others as to                             the risks of complacency, over-complication, arrogance, pride (coming before a                             fall), etc.
B2B / B2C
Business To Business / Business To Consumer. B2B is widely                             used terminology in business and 'marketing-speak' to refer to a trading model                             where a business supplies other businesses, and by implication does not supply                             'end-consumers'. B2C is a variation of the term and means Business To                             Consumer, for example all retail busineses, and online businesses selling                             to consumers. There are other variations, notably including B2G, which means Business To Government, i.e., a business which                             supplies governments and local authorities, such as the defence/defense                             industry, road-construction, and certain IT services forming part of government                             services. Somewhat less common variations are: B2E, which stands for Business To Everybody; B2A is Business To Anybody; and B2B2C is Business To Business To Consumer. More recently the                             internet has enabled massive development of the C2C sector (Consumer                             To Consumer), also called P2P. See P2P (Peer To Peer), which is becoming an alternative to traditional                             B2C-based models, illustrated traditionaly by relatively insignificant                             'car-boot sales' and 'yard sales', and more vastly and globally by E-Bay and                             other similar online shopping websites, which enable millions of private                             consumers to sell to each other.
BA
Bugger All. Alternative interpretation of the famous British Airways initials allegedly devised by staff after pay cuts in                             2009. It is also (thanks S Myles) a sarcastic alternative to Bachelor of                             Arts.
BAAPS
British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons. This is a                             real organisation (thanks J Riley) and real acronym, which it uses prominently.                             BAAPS is based in The Royal College of Surgeons, Lincoln's Inn Fields, London.                             BAAPS states its aims to be the advancement of education in cosmetic surgery,                             and also the advancement of its practice 'for the benefit of society'. First                             pioneered as reconstructive surgery for injured soldiers in the First World                             War, plastic or cosmetic surgery is now more popularly associated with                             expensive and occasionally controversial cosmetic alteration of people's                             bodies, notably women's breasts, and also people's facial features and other                             unmentionable bodily bits and pieces that some folk wish to alter for one                             reason or another. This is not to say there are no vital and wholly worthy                             applications of the science; there are of course. Amusingly the BAAPS 2009                             website says that the Association has 'ear marked' funding for half the costs                             of the Aesthetic tutor based at the Royal College of Surgeons of England.                             Whether this pun and the bigger one involving the acronym name are intentional                             we can only guess. I was going to resist the temptation to tell the one about                             the plastic surgeon who sat down in front of the fire and melted, but I didn't.
BANANA
Built Absolutely Nothing Anywhere Near Anyone. Partner                             acronym and ideal next stage to NIMBY. (Ack D Bodycombe)
BANJO
Bang Another Nuisance Job Out. Sister acronym to JFDI. For                             those irksome tasks that won't go away, no matter how long you leave them at                             the bottom of the in-tray. (Ack. Julie Bramhall)
BASIC
Beginners All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code. Acronym name                             for the early computer programming language. Makes a good quiz question. (Ack R                             Leviton) See also COBOL. Additionally and alternatively (thanks T Bastock)                             BASIC has in past times been amusingly interpreted by IT technicians and to                             mean Bugger-All Sense In Computing.
BAU
Business As Usual. This is an interesting one (thanks S Rowe)                             - Business As Usual is a very common expression where outwardly a business,                             typically a shop or small trade premises, might appear shut or hampered, for                             example by building work or security/safety problem. In fact the expression was                             once an official UK government policy, during the First World War (1914-18),                             under prime minister Herbert H Asquith, and reinforced by Winston Churchill at                             the time (long before he led Britain in the 2nd WW) - in which the aim was to                             maintain social norms during wartime, thus not conceding any change or                             weakening, in spite of the enemy and the difficult times. The BAU expression -                             which is now used widely in various work situations where pressure/interruption                             seems present - retains a similar sense of tolerance and forbearance.
BBB
Bullshit Baffles Brains. Long-established alliterative (i.e.,                             words together or close which strongly feature the same letters or sounds)                             expression more recently    converted into an acronym (Thanks D Taylor). There is some truth to this                             rather rude maxim, in that highly persuasive people can often dominate highly                             intelligent people, if only by force of argument, or  by securing the                             support of easily influenced associates and bystanders. The famous 'Emperor's                             new clothes' analogy aptly illustrates such an effect, since generally for the                             BBB phenomenon to withstand scrutiny there is typically a tendency among the                             persuaded to lack necessary confidence or courage or interest to challenge the                             assertions of the bullshitter. I am additionally informed (thanks A Payne) of the equivalent mock or false 'Latin' term: "Excreta tauri astutos frustrantur".
BBSS or B2S2
Big Boobs, See Soon. Appalling and very scary doctors' notes                             shorthand acronym. See the even more unsettling TUBE . (Ack JW)
BDU
Brain Dead User. Covert IT technical support staff acronym to                             describe a human failing instead of equipment or software fault. When you next                             hear reference to a BDU error, ask for an explanation... (Ack NM) See also ID10T, PEBCAK and PICNIC.
BEER
Behaviour, Effect, Expectation, Results. The headings by                             which to assess performance of anything, particularly a new initiative. A great                             discipline when working with a team or delegating another to conduct a review,                             when it's important to keep the review focused. (Ack. Don Clark)
BENDWIMP
Beliefs, Evidence, Needs, Desires, Wounds, Interests, Mentors,                             Proud of. A model, typically used as a table or template or matrix for                             identifying motivations and issues of stakeholders within a project plan. This                             has the look of something that could be protected intellectual property so I'd                             urge caution if you intend to exploit it outsode of a passing reference. The                             BENDWIMP acronym is apparently used by Tony Robbins, who seems also to be the                             originator. (My thanks to Steve Buonaugurio, who emailed to suggest it was                             first coined by Tony Robbins. Robbin's use of BENDWIMP is also confirmed by                             Robert Buttrick, who emailed me to confirm it featured on a Robbins seminar                             handout.)
BFI
Brute Force and Ignorance. An expression found in everyday                             language since the early 1900s, meaning a heavy handed unrefined solution to a                             problem (especially fixing something - like bashing an electrical appliance to get it working again). In more recent times BFI (and variant BFMI - Brute Force                             and Massive Ignorance) is aptly applied also to certain areas of design (for                             example software or computing systems) in which previous proven effective                             methods are ignored, resulting in a new but clumsy and unsuccessful outcome.                             Similar application of the BFI expression can be made to strategic thinking -                             notably in politics and business - where arrogant leaders, driven by subjective                             idealism, religious justification, ego, personal gain, etc., wilfully force                             through disastrous campaigns or changes, rather than using the lessons of                             history and real intelligence to help formulate proper sensible ideas. (Thanks                             E Key)
BHAG
Big Hairy-Arsed Goal/Big Hairy-Assed Goal. The polite version                             'Big Hairy Audacious Goal' doesn't have quite the same ring to it (no pun                             intended). (Ack M Cook) Provides an additional interpretation (and emphasises                             the WIIFM motivational theory) of the word 'bag'                             when used to refer to someone's area of interest or expertise, for example,                             when turning down an offer or opportunity with the response, "Not my Bhag I'm                             afraid...."
BHNC
Big Hat No Cattle. What a great expression. The abbreviation                             is all the more amusing because it looks like some kind of highly official                             certificate for the construction or maritime industry. See also AMAT and FCNK .
BIAT
Boss Is A Twit/Twerp/Twat etc. No nonsense here... one of the                             more direct modern workplace acronyms. (Ack R Biggs)
BID
Break It Down. When training anything to anybody never teach                             the whole thing all at once. Break the skill or process down to digestible                             parts. This will avoid destroying confidence, and enable gradual progress to                             the point that the whole thing can be practiced.
BIRG/BIRGing
Basking In Reflected Glory. This is a wonderful old                             expression, made modern (and more fascinating too) by its recent rendering in                             acronym form and use in the psychology of social identity. This relates                             directly to human motivation in many ways. Psychologist Robert Cialdini and                             author of the best-selling book 'Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion'                             helped significantly to popularize the BIRGing terminology and concept, and                             conducted extensive research demonstrating BIRGing behaviour theory and its                             wide existence. The 'BIRG effect' or 'BIRGing' refers to a person seeking to                             associate him/herself with the success or appeal of someone or something else,                             and thereby (the person seeks) to enhance his/her own personal image/reputation                             in the opinions of others. (See also the Halo Effect .) Nearly all of                             us do it (BIRGing) in one way or another. The behaviour is rooted in                             self-esteem, self-image, security/insecurity. In turn, instincts and                             motivations around BIRGing may be more deeply driven, at an evolutionary                             survival and procreation level - basically humans exist to attract/form                             relationships and mate, or we would not be here at all. At a superficial level                             we see examples of BIRGing everywhere, fundamentally yet very subtly, in the                             wearing of strongly branded clothing and apparel. We see it in people who like                             to drive very aspirational car brands, and in the aims and effects of                             aspirational and lifestyle branding more broadly. BIRGing most definitely                             features very strongly in social networking websites and computer/phone                             applications involving 'liking' and 'following' people and things, and in                             affiliating to groups. The BIRGing phenomenon is very simply shown in the                             wearing of football club shirts, especially when the football club concerned is                             winning. Studies point to other evidence such as the tendency for political                             posters in voters' houses to be removed quickly after the candidate/party                             loses, compared to posters for triumphant candidates/parties, whose advertised                             support remains in windows much longer after the election result. More                             individually BIRGing can be seen when people affiliate seriously and very openly with a popular local person or entity, such as a leader or project or                             cause. The psychology of BIRGing can be related to Darwinian evolutionary                             theory, and also to Freudian theory on ego and self image, etc. BIRGing is a                             popular and light term, yet has serious influences and connections.
BITCH
Babe In Total Control of Herself. Supreme interpretation or                             response for the typical insulting or envious use of the term. A small yet                             powerful example of redefining a negative into a positive. Finding the good                             angle - an essential instrument of success. (Thanks A MacGowan)
BLACPU
Back Later After Christmas Piss-up. Seasonal acronym                             for when work and customers must necessarily fit in around the festivities and                             holidays.
BLT
Base-Line Test. More boring and less tasty alternative to the                             more common usage - Bacon Lettuce and Tomato (sandwich). (Ack Don Clark)
BLUF
Bottom Line Up Front. Simply this means (and warns the                             reader) that the key point is summarised at the start or top of the                             communication. BLUF is a wonderfully potent acronym, useful in many situations.                             BLUF (thanks M Callaham) originated in the US military in written                             communications, where it serves as as an immediate emphasis and prefix of the                             central point of the message or report. It equates to the expressions ' cutting to the chase ' and                             'without beating around the bush'. In structural terms, the BLUF technique                             equates to an 'executive summary', which is a very brief summary of the                             strategically essential point(s) positioned at the start of the communication.                             This itself is normally a very concisely reduced version of a larger summary at                             the end of the document, based on the greater detail within the main part of                             the document or communication. A major learning and usage aspect of BLUF is the                             communicator's responsibility to present information to the reader or listener                             or audience efficiently, especially for senior and very busy people, who often                             have neither time nor need to read and absorb lots of detail. Senior people                             especially want the main point(s) - the' bottom line' - first - 'up front'. In                             management, and in the military, senior people rely on junior people to take                             care of the detail and to provide the strategic interpretation by which big                             decisions can be made. Incidentally the term 'bottom line' is a figurative                             reference to the bottom line in corporate financial accounts, which contains                             the profit or loss figure, crucial to most organized ventures and                             organizations. While BLUF remains popular in US military communications, its                             usefulness has spread and its adoption can be helpful into very many situations                             where effective speedy communication is valued. This includes notably: business                             and management communications (especially involving strategic decision-making);                             quick report-writing and conveying updates and status; emergency response and                             reactions (reporting up and informing down the management structure);                             presentations and speeches and talks; writing of press releases, PR materials,                             and also advertising and consumer or 'general-public audience' communications                             (in which the actual inclusion of the term BLUF is generally not appropriate -                             here BLUF serves more of a structural reminder to the writer).
BMT
Before My Time. If you are a new broom trying to sweep clean,                             this is a useful response to the 'we've always done it that way' school of                             thought. In other words, 'that was then and this is now'. (Ack M Paretski)
BMW
Bitch, Moan and Whine/Whinge. Behaviour that can be exhibited                             by a group when stressed, demotivated or unhappy with their situation. Also a                             common subject area in meetings where the purpose and facilitation perhaps                             requires a more a positive focus or perspective. (Ack Denise) If you are a                             manager or team leader and ever find yourself having to handle a BMW session,                             give the group encouragement, responsibility and suitable freedom to identify and pursue constructive response, change and improvement. Focus on positive                             response rather than blame. Here are a couple of helpful quotes in this                             connection: "You have a choice whether to be part of the steam roller or part                             of the road.." (unknown) and "If you're not part of the                             solution you must be part of the problem.." (the commonly paraphrased                             version of the original quote: "What we're saying today is that you're either                             part of the solution, or you're part of the problem.." by Eldridge Cleaver                             1935-98, founder member and information minister of the Black Panthers,                             American political activist group, in a speech in 1968). More relevant                             motivational quotes are on the quotes page . BMW is                             also interpreted in some police circles (ack P&J) as Break My                             Windows, being a reflection of the car make's tendency to attract envious                             attack, either through envy or because the mark is a favourite among gangsters                             who attract aggressive attentions. Additionally (ack Ed P) BMW is interpreted                             to form other ironic meanings such as the somewhat offensive Built by                             Migrant Workers; the irresitibly smile-inducing Big-up My Willy, and                             probably funniest of all to the folk who particularly resent the car brand and                             what they think it stands for: Bought Mainly by Wankers. There are some                             other automotive-related interpretations of BMW in the automotive aconyms list ,                             interestingly including (ack G Boyle) Bersten Mal Wieder, which is                             apparently used by German folk, and means 'Bust Again'.
BMX
Bicycle MotoCross. Generally in modern times BMX is seen to                             refer to a style of small-wheeled, small-framed bicyle on which young people,                             especially boys, can perform more agile moves than when riding a conventionally                             designed bike. While BMX is a very widely recognized abbreviation, its origins                             and precise meaning are far less well known. The BMX term was introduced in the                             1970s when bicycle enthusiasts developed bikes, skills, and tracks with                             obstacles similar to those featuring in motorbike motocross (off-road motorbike                             trials riding/racing). In addition to BMX off-road riding, BMX bike-riding                             quickly became very popular in urban areas, not least because pedestrianized                             areas of towns (shopping centres, etc) offered slopes and curves on which to                             ride and practise skills, much as in the development of skateboarding. BMX                             bikes, designed for rugged riding and acrobatics, also proved popular in young                             people's fashion, and no doubt with parents of kids who appreciated the strong                             design and construction of BMX bikes, which tended to withstand tough                             treatment, and encouraged a generation of youngsters to play outdoors perhaps                             more than would otherwise have been the case. Sadly local councils and planners                             were very slow to realise that BMX riding, and skateboarding too, are actually                             good things for young people to do. Aside from the social and sporting aspects                             of BMX riding, the abbreviation BMX itself is a very good example of a term                             which nearly everyone knows, but few understand its precise                             origins/meaning.
BND
Bloody Near Dead. (Medical notes abbreviation) used since                             1980s, in Australia; probably elsewhere too. See also BUNDY . (Thanks K Mildred)
BOAC
Better On A Camel. Younger viewers perhaps will not know the                             old BOAC airline, which officially stood for British Overseas Airways                             Corporation. BOAC was the British state airline from 1939-74, after which it                             merged with BEA (British European Airways - amusingly alternatively interpreted                             as Back Every Afternoon, since night stops were uncommon for BEA) to become                             British Airways. (Thanks ET and R Jones) More funny                             BOAC bacronyms and other aviation acronyms are in the airlines acronyms list below.
BOB
Battery Operated Boyfriend. Amusing pet name for a vibrator,                             and perhaps the cleverest and funniest BOB bacronym. Unrelated to this, BOB                             also stands for a couple of common expressions which sometimes find their way                             into business-speak: Bend Over Backwards (describing a challenging task                             in testing circumstances), and Best Of Breed (the leading example within                             a certain category, notably technical solutions or products). Less seriously,                             BOB may also mean Betty Or Bloke (thanks C Carlson) in referring to a                             person of uncertain gender, which apparently, like other amusing and somewhat                             non-pc slang, originated in the British military.
BOBFOC
Body Off Baywatch, Face Off Crimewatch. Nightclub and dating                             vernacular, and not gender specific. (Ack JHB)
BOBO
Burnt Out But Opulent. Various applications, including                             references to property and people, the image is one of exhausted or useless                             wealth or luxury. (Thanks GJ)
BOCCA
Belief, Optimism, Courage, Conviction, Action. For the                             process of change. (Ack M Cook)
BODMAS
Brackets, Order (means power, e.g. power of two shown as 2), Divide, Multiply, Add, Subtract. BODMAS (thanks J McColl)                             provides the sequence for working out and constructing mathematical equations                             and formulas ('formulae' to be precise) containing more than one calculation.                             This methodology is commonly referred to as the order of mathematical                             'operations'. For example does 2 x 5 + 3 = 13 or 16? BODMAS tells us to                             multiply before adding, so the answer is 13. Or the formula could be shown with                             brackets to give clearer indication, for example (2 x 5) + 3 = 13, or 2 x (5 +                             3) = 16. In those two examples we calculate the brackets first. Remember that                             the word 'Order' in BODMAS means power, as in 102 means 10 to the                             power of two (i.e., 10 x 10, or 10 squared). Thus BODMAS helps both to                             construct and work out a formula such as (3 + 4)2 + (6 ÷ 2)3 = 76. A more complex example might be 25 + 33 ÷ 11 x (27 ÷ 9)2 = what? and where on earth do you start? BODMAS                             instructs us to work it out in the sequence below. BODMAS is therefore very                             useful for non-mathematical folk when trying to construct complex formulas                             (formulae) for spreadsheet cells. I hasten to add (no pun intended) that I am                             not a mathematician and I welcome suggestions for improving this item.                             Incidentally the final rule - work left to right - is not covered by BODMAS,                             but extending the acronym to BODMAWLTR somewhat spoils the effect. See also PEMDAS .
 
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BOGOFF
Buy One Get One For Free. Marketingspeak, but also great for                             emphasising the need for creative thinking to achieve cost-effective, high                             perceived value promotional selling.
BOGSAT
Bunch Of Guys Sitting Around Talking. A reference  to an aimless, unproductive or pointless meeting, especially of  managers/executives, typically from the standpoint of excluded or unwilling participants.
BOHICA
Bend Over, Here It Comes Again. A fine motto for all who                             suffer under incompetent management. If you're a Theory-X manager (see Douglas McGregor X-Y Theory ), your staff will                             regularly use this in your honour. For a free BOHICA colour poster see the free businessballs                             posters page. And if you are a CEO and you begin to see a few BOHICA                             posters appearing around the place, then perhaps start asking yourself some                             questions about your organisational culture and management style.. (thanks to                             Ralph Johnston for suggesting this acronym.)
BOHOF
Back Of Hand On Forehead. For those BOHOF moments.
BOMFOG
Brotherhood Of Man (under the) Fatherhood Of God. Paternalistic - and thoroughly patronising - expression of traditional values                             still held by many, including some who lead us. Accepting modern politically                             correct adaptations, BOMFOG attitudes typically sit snugly alongside the                             marginalisation of women and all other historically brow-beaten groups.                             Nowadays more importantly, BOMFOG thinking undermines humankind's independence                             and development. Nigel Rees, the commentator and language expert refers to                             BOMFOG as an acronym for a pompous meaningless generality. This interpretation                             - and the wider implications of BOMFOG - have a very relevant modern resonance                             with a certain arrogant deluded leadership style (akin to Theory Y , but altogether more deeply insidious) that                             we often see in the western world, which seeks to suppress and control all good                             and honest folk - people like you and me, capable of mature independent                             thoughts and actions of far greater purity and truth than those exhibited by                             our leaders, supported incidentally by much of our media. Leadership - and                             government, and any organized system - should be a force for genuine individual                             aspiration and emotional maturity. Regrettably however many sorts of leadership                             - especially of significant scale - eventually degenerate into control,                             manipulation, sham, and BOMFOG principles. By the way the term BOMFOG is linked                             most famously with certain very grand quotes attributed to the Rockerfellers                             (Nelson and John D) around the mid 1900s, generally pronouncing how a new world                             can be established, based on their own (superior, western, 'enlightened') view                             of life, and the assumption that holding such a view somehow includes the right                             to impose it on others. Sounds familiar?...
BOOSTER
Balanced, Observed, Objective, Specific, Timely, Enhancing,                             Relevant. Useful acronym for coaching and giving feedback to people. If                             anyone knows the origins please tell me . (Ack C                             Lloyd)
BOSCARDET
Background, Objectives, Scope, Constraints, Assumptions,                             Reporting, Dependencies, Estimates, Timescales. Very useful acronym (thanks                             J O'Connor) for inception of projects, committees, investigations (inquiries),                             studies, reports, etc, where purpose, parameters and ground-rules etc., have to                             be established. It was/is used (apparently originally by Hoskyns, who later                             became Cap Gemini) as a reminder of the headings for a terms of reference                             document. You will note there's no specific heading for costs/budgets/financial                             controls, so care needs to be taken to include these items, logically within                             Constraints and/or Estimates. For a fuller explanation of Terms of Reference                             see 'agreement of specification - project management' . Or see Terms of Reference in the                             business dictionary .
BPO
Business Process Outsourcing. An acronym from recent times,                             covering a multitude of activities that are commonly outsourced today, for                             example, call centre and customer services, IT, HR and training, telemarketing,                             recruitment, health and safety, quality assurance and accreditation,                             manufacturing, logistics, sales and promotion, R&D, and pretty well                             anything else that a corporation might have considered a core function before                             outsourcing came along. I'm wondering when the first example of an outsourced                             board of directors will be seen....
BRAN
Benefits, Risks, Alternatives, Nothing. Decision-making aid,                             applicable and useful for all sorts of situations. What are the benefits and                             risks from a particular course of action or option or default? What are the                             alternatives (also considering their benefits and risks)? And finally always                             remember that there is the option to do nothing, which on occasions can be the                             best thing. (Ack A Jones)
BRIC
Brazil, Russia, India, China. In the early 21st century these                             are the 'Big Four' rapidly expanding national economies of the world. This                             increasingly visible acronym emphasises the growing significance of the                             emerging markets and economic powers, and the fact that the world is changing -                             in fact has already changed. It may not be long before the older economies (UK,                             US, etc) start to find manufacturing and low-skilled jobs returning, for the                             same reasons they were once moved away. The BRIC acronym is said to have been                             originated by Jim O'Neill, Goldman Sach's chief economist, in 2001. See also MINT .
BS
BullShit. Normally shown as bullshit. BS is a very succinct                             expletive, usually referring to misleading language or nonsense, or frustrating                             bureaucracy, etc. It originated in the US and is now used widely in the English                             speaking world, to the extent that the BS expression is now very rarely                             considered truly offensive. Where it is, a polite amusing alternative version                             is Bovine Stool. I am grateful to J Kelmar for contributing the also                             amusing alternative rendering of university degree abbreviations (used in some                             parts of the world), beginning with BS (Bull Shit), through to MS (More Shit),                             peaking at PhD (Piled Higher and Deeper). Sadly in                             the UK, Bachelor of Science is normally shown as BSc, and Master of Science as                             MSc, which offer less opportunity for such mischief.
BSA
Bloody Sore Arse/Ass. The BSA motorbike was not famed for its                             comfortable ride... Of course the usage is not restricted to motorbiking.                             Apparently the expression can be heard in the Dambusters film in a conversation                             between pilot and co-pilot after a particularly long flight, illustrating the                             expression's succinct and flexible quality. (Ack S Adam)
BTP
British Transport Police. More amusingly the acronym                             allegedly takes on an alternative meaning among certain transport staff who                             translate instead to mean Be There Presently (or Possibly or                             Potentially) when enquiry demand from customers exceeds the staff resource                             that is available to respond. (Ack AB)
BTW
By The Way. One of the most commonly used abbreviations                             today, meaning 'incidentally' or 'in passing', and, BTW, originally meaning 'by                             the way of a secondary subject or matter', which was earlier shortened to 'by                             the bye', which has now almost passed out of use. 'By the way' is referenced in                             1870s Brewer, so it's not a recent expresssion.
BUFFS
Buck Up For Flips Sake. Polite version of motivational                             expression used in the Royal Navy. The language might be crude, but the                             sentiment is a positive one (ack S Smyth). See also FIDO and SUMO .
BUGGER
Best Universal Grit, Grime and Effluent Remover. A more                             polite alternative to the x-rated ' Finest Universal Cleaner                             Known ' version below. Similar usage, for example, "..If Omo don't whiten it                             and Brasso don't brighten it, then BUUGGER it.." (Ack A Reeley)
BULLSHIT
Business Unit Leaders Leveraged High Intensity Training. Amusing bacronym from the business and                             training world. (Thanks A Smith)
BUMFFPICHH
Brakes, Undercarriage, Mixture, Fuel, Flaps, Pitch, Instruments,                             Carb heat, Hatches, Harnesses. Pre-landing checks system popular in private                             pilot licence training. Sometimes extended to BUMFFPICHHL and BUMFFPICHHLC to                             include Landing light and Clearance.
BUNDY
But Unfortunately Not Dead Yet. Nurses/doctors/receptionists                             shorthand, but has many other applications elsewhere. I am informed that an                             extended version: TF-BUNDY (where the TF stands for 'Totally Fecked') is in                             routine use in at least one region of the UK. A further example of how dark                             humour is used to counter the darker aspects of human experience. (Ack DW)
BURMA
Be Undressed and Ready My Angel. Armed forces acronym code                             used typically on the backs of envelopes containing letters to sweethearts at                             home, as other examples NORWICH, SWALK, HOLLAND, EGYPT, CHIP, etc. (Thanks                             pointing out this glaring omission BC.) I am additionally informed (thanks A                             Sanderson) of the option to augment BURMA with SIAM .
BURP
Bankrupt Unemployed Rejected Person. Never use this, just try                             to be kind and understanding. See Maslow .
BVA
Breathing Valuable Air. (ODSA) Apparently used in Los Angeles                             by nurses as a comment about less deserving patients. Amusing and highly                             efficient, and transferable to a wide variety of situations. (Ack KT)
BWS
Beached Whale Syndrome. (ODSA) Nurses and doctors shorthand                             acronym.
BYOB
Bring Your Own Booze/Bottle. Widely used acronym used by                             party hosts and operators of unlicensed restaurants, instructing or requesting                             guests to bring drink, rather than expect it to be provided or available for                             purchase at the venue. There are other variations, for example, Bring Your Own                             Beef (for barbeques), Bring Your Own Bagels (gatherings of Jewish folk, or                             anyone really who likes bagels), and Bring Your Own Bag(s) (for shops keen to                             reduce use of free carrier bags). The Australian version is commonly altered to                             BYOG, Bring Your Own Grog . It has been suggested                             that Bring Your Own Basket(s) (for picnics) was an older version of the term                             although this seems not to be substantiated, and frankly I doubt it will be                             because the notion is a little bit daft. (Thanks P Bruton)
C2C
Consumer To Consumer. Marketing/trading model by which                             ordinary people sell and provide products/services to each other. It's an                             ancient model, prehistoric in fact, virtually extinguished by the industrial                             revolution and corporate age, (see B2B/B2C ),                             although persisting in yard sales and private ads, etc., and latterly happily                             enabled to revive and grow in the 21st century to vast global proportions by                             the internet, for example E-Bay, Amazon, Taobao (China), etc. Also called P2P                             (Peer To Peer - see P2P for lots more                             detail) the model threatens the dominance or even existence of some very large                             industries, within which the internet actually or potentially now replaces most                             of the 'added value' ('middleman'/security/expertise/etc) services                             traditionally offered by corporations, notably and excitingly for example in                             banking, insurance, etc.
CADET
Can't Add, Doesn't Even Try. Assessment acronym for the                             numerically and motivationally challenged.
CAP
Cover All Possibilities. Versatile training and planning                             acronym. A more polite mnemonic than the P6                             expression . (Thanks L Woodhouse).
CAPTCHA
Completely Automated Public Turing test to tell Computers and                             Humans Apart. You will probably have used a captcha without realising that                             it has this strange name, or that it has a name at all. A captcha is the                             distorted code you copy and type into a website form. The code is unique and                             random and distorted so that computers (hopefully) cannot read and re-use it,                             which guards websites against mischievous or criminal automated attack.                             However, the speedy development of malevolent technology used by hackers and                             computer criminals (you could call it 'captcha catchup'..) means that the                             captcha designers must stay ahead of the bad guys, to keep captcha systems                             impregnable to automated computer violation. Incidentally when a captcha system                             is breached it enables what is known as a 'denial of service attack' (DoS attack), whereby a website or multi-user computer system is brought down by                             computer-automated enormous and unmanageable volumes of requests or actions,                             occasionally for the purposes of blackmailing the site operators, but often for                             reasons unrelated to monetary gain. The captcha is not the only angle of DoS                             attack, but the captcha does represent perhaps the earliest strategic                             battleground in the struggle to protect the web. Captcha is one of the most                             interesting and convoluted acronyms ever devised, seemingly by Luis von Ahn,                             Manuel Blum, Nicholas Hopper and John Langford in 2000. The acronym reflects                             its technical meaning and origins, and also reflects its purpose, which while                             primarily acting as a security device, also enables the 'capture' of data. The                             Turing test element refers to the exceptional English mathematician and                             computer scientist Alan Turing and his theory and test work, first published in                             1950, dealing with artificial intelligence and comparisons between human and                             computer 'thinking' capabilities. Alan Turing (1912-54) was a fascinating                             character in his own right - regarded as a founder of computer science, he was                             part of the famous and pivotal codebreaking team at Bletchley Park in the                             Second World War, and subsequently went on to pioneer the development of early                             computers and artificial intelligence. Shamefully his country later saw fit to                             prosecute and convict him for being a homosexual, following which he committed                             suicide in 1954, aged forty-one. Today Britain is very keen to patronise and                             impose our holier than thou ideas on the developing world. As with any                             situation where one seeks influence and change, perhaps a little more humility                             and awareness of our own past (and ongoing) failings would be more                             constructive.
CARAT
Counselling, Advice, Referral, Assessment and Throughcare. Acronym used in HM Prison Service (of the UK) referring to prison drug services                             and the programmes therein. The term (sometimes understandably mistaken to be                             CARROT) also extends to the assistance and workers involved in the delivery of                             prisoner drug abuse treatment and rehabilitation. The acronym does not signify                             a sequential process, but instead the elements contained within it. The actual                             sequence would typically place the Assessment element ahead of Advice and                             Referral, but the resulting CAART was presumably not memorable enough, or                             perhaps too close to the slang term 'cart', meaning prison or gallows, derived                             from the the late 1500s when horse-drawn carts were used for prisoner                             transport, and which is the origin of the modern expression 'in the cart'                             meaning to be in trouble or difficulty. The element called Throughcare might                             alternatively be represented as Aftercare (after release). We must assume that                             Throughcare was preferred because devising a useful mnemonic with three A's, a                             C and and R would have been impossible. There is an interesting lesson in this,                             aside from illustrating the elements of a rehabilitation process, namely that a                             good acronym should be memorable and distinct in its abbreviated and full form,                             and unfortunately CARAT is not, despite the very worthy aims and activities                             which underpin it.
CARE
Cover Arse, Remain Employed. (US version: Cover Ass,                             Remain Employed) A clever and amusing acronym arising in employment, work                             and training situations, emerging in the 2000s, notably more so since the                             global funding crisis starting in 2008. Technically CARE is also a bacronym , and a very meaningful one too on                             the basis that 'care' equates to caution (in decision-making and freedoms                             extended to people) and prudence (in investment and funding and credit issues).                             Caution and prudence are fine if                             justified, but not if caution or prudence has an obstructive and choking effect                             on initiative, creativity, change, growth, success, etc., which fear-driven                             backside-covering often tends to do. (Thanks P Halstead)
CASH
Computer Assisted Self-Help. An acronym for the modern age.                             Computer-based methods for self-improvement, even therapy, are becoming                             increasingly viable, effective and common. Actually, and logically,                             Businessballs is a Computer Assisted Self-Help website, despite its limited                             functionality. Computer Assisted Self-Help can be very effective with or                             without the support of a real person, and we should expect to see significant                             development and availability of CASH products and services, offered via data                             storage devices and online through websites and intranets, etc. The additional                             ongoing development of artificial intelligence and its incorporation within                             computer-based applications will ensure that CASH websites and services become                             progressively sophisticated and widespread, across many different fields, from                             stress-management to life-change, marriage guidance to addictions counselling,                             and just about any other attitudinal or behavioural change you can imagine.                             (With acknowledgements to Steve Cottrell.)
CBI
Completely Bloody Ignorant. 'Backronym' apparently                             popularised by some Civil Service staff in response to remarks by Digby Jones                             (as Director General of the Confederation of British Industry) about                             Civil Service (public sector) pay and pensions. (Ack N Spargo)
CHAOS
Chief Has Arrived On Scene. From the Fire Rescue Service in                             Georgia US, and no doubt used elsewhere too. If not then it should be. For                             interfering bosses everywhere. (Ack J Attison)
CHAV
Council Housed And Violent. Note this is not the origin of                             the word chav, it's a modern mischievous 'bacronym' based on the chav slang slang word                             for a vulgar and/or anti-social person (male or female). The bacronym meaning                             is entirely made-up, but reflects a certain view in society of the description.                             See the likely actual word origins of chav .                             See also TPT for what is arguably the US equivalent.                             I am also informed (thanks C Haynes) of the alternative bacronym rendering of                             CHAV, apparently in parts of the UK West Midlands, and no less disrespectful                             than the one mentioned already, in fact probably substantially more                             disrespectful - Council House Asbo Vermin. (See ASBO )
CHINA
Chick Hunting In North Africa. Naval acronym, suitably toned                             down because the original meaning is too rich for this page. Possibly the most                             outrageous acronym in this listing. (Ack S Dancer)
CHIP
Come Home I'm Pregnant. Another acronym gem from the 2nd                             World War, and potentially applicable today for husbands on prolonged                             residential training courses, drilling rigs and overseas work assignments - see                             also ITALY, HOLLAND, SWALK, BURMA and NORWICH, etc. (Thanks Sandy Fox)
CLAMPS
Challenge, Location, Advancement, Money, Pride (or Prestige),                             Security. Employment and recruitment industry acronym: the six acceptable                             reasons for leaving your job if asked why in a job interview, cited by MJ Yate                             (interview guru and author). See the job interviews                             questions and answers page.
CLAP
Clear, Loud, As an order, with Pauses. A very neat military                             acronym, actually also a backronym ,                             transferable to various situations where very concise and especially compulsory                             instruction or delegation is required, for example in states of emergency or                             safety risk, or supervising young children, dogs or teenagers. The principle is                             easily applicable with a little adaptation for certain types of presentations.                             The key points also remind us to avoid waffle and unnecessary information when                             communicating vital and urgent instruction. (Thanks M Green)
CLM
Career Limiting Move. A reminder to think twice before                             embarking on any action that has an obvious whiff of disaster about it. (Ack R                             Gesling and S Phillips)
CNA
Cleaning Nasty Arses/Asses. (ODSA) Alternative 'backronym' intepretation instead of usual                             meaning, which is Certified Nurses Assistant, whose duties typically                             extend to feeding, changing linens, bathing, shaving, etc., and whose wages                             commonly do not far exceed minimum wage. (Ack Nick H)
COBOL
COmmon Business Orientated Language. Acronym-derived name for                             the early computer language. (Ack RL) See also BASIC.
CPFR, CPFDR
Collaborative Planning, Forecasting and Replenishment. Relatively modern supply chain management term, sometimes more fully expressed                             as CPFDR (Collaborative Planning, Forecasting Demand and Replenishment).                             Alternatively and less likely: Continuance Policy - Domestic Relations Division                             (related to legal process in Philadelphia County USA). Or it's also a US                             Engineering qualification, or a microbiological term for a Mitochondrial-type                             Ferredoxin Oxidoreductase, when it would be shown as CpFdR.
CPS
Criminal Protection Society. Sarcastic alternative meaning                             to the official Crown Prosecution Service, the government body                             responsible for bringing criminal prosecutions on behalf of the state, (thanks                             J Heeley). CPS stands for many more relatively unexciting terms, notably in business Cost Per Sale, and in computing Cycles/Characters Per                             Second.
CPT, CPI and CPC
Cost Per Thousand, Cost Per Inquiry and Cost Per                             Conversion. Advertising terms and crucial measures of advertising and                             selling performance. CPT refers to the cost of reaching each thousand people of                             the target audience with the advertising message. CPI is the cost of each                             inquiry received, ie total advertising cost divided by the number of inquiries                             received. CPC is the total cost of each converted sale. Lowest CPT doesn't                             necessarily produce the lowest CPI, neither CPC. Lowest CPI doesn't necessarily                             produce lowest CPC. Conversion ratios or percentages between CPT, CPI and CPC                             are what count.
CRAFT
Can't Remember A Flipping Thing. Polite version. This acronym                             has various uses: for example Monday morning after Glastonbury or the Prague                             stag/hen weekend; those 'Senior' moments experienced by folk of advancing                             years. Or a tedious training course or meeting, or one of those awful 'pep up                             the workers' roadshow presentations by the new board of directors. (Ack L                             Speden, R Dale)
CRAP
Chronological Random Ascending Pile. A common paperwork                             filing system particularly preferred by people of an Intuitive-Creative                             personality. The acronym and meaning are interesting and thought-provoking when                             exploring notions of time management and personality , for example the theory                             of Katherine Benziger . (This                             clever acronym, or technically bacronym ,                             was perhaps originated by, and certainly referenced by T Bradford, freelance                             illustrator, writing in the Guardian newspaper 5 Feb 2011. If you know an                             earlier use please tell me.)
CRITWATNF
Currently Residing In The Where Are They Now File. The full                             expression perhaps originated, certainly features and achieved prominence in                             Rob Reiner's 1984 classic rock band spoof masterpiece movie This is Spinal Tap.                             A radio DJ refers to the band in this way. It's not the most easy to pronounce                             acronym, but is a fine example of the genre nevertheless. The term is widely                             applicable for all ideas, fashions, trends, personalities, must-haves, etc.,                             which were once actually or hoped to be significant, but are now lost, hidden                             or conveniently forgotten. Use it to illustrate the fleeting nature of success,                             the whimsical nature of swarming humankind, or the fact, simply, that every dog                             has its day. What can seem in people's lives utterly crucial today, will almost                             certainly be insignificant given a little time. (Thanks P Smith for suggesting                             it.) See the CRITWATNF game
CRS
Can't Remember Shit/Stuff. (Thanks T White.) Alternatively Chinese Restaurant Syndrome, for that                             too-much-monosodium-glutamate-feeling. Perhaps the two feelings are related in                             some way.
CSN
Computer Says No. Needs no explanation.
CSR
Corporate Social Responsibility. A central aspect of                             capability and process within all all good organizations, and one of several                             related concepts within the ' ethical organisations '                             philosophy.
CT
Cerca Trova. Italian, meaning 'He who seeks, finds' - more                             popularly interpreted to represent the expression 'Seek and and you shall                             find'. Highly civilised and academic alternative to GAAFOFY , and WIOFYFS . (Thanks Z Nóra for                             pointing out that Cerca Trova is Italian, and not Latin, as previously stated                             here.)
CTD
Circling the Drain. Healthcare acronym. Technically and originally Close To Death. Transferable to a wide variety of lost                             causes. (Ack L Russell)
C**T
Computer User Non-Technical. Outrageous of course. Apparently                             from the IT services community, see also DISFOB and PEBCAK. Alternatively, Can't Understand New Technology, or Can't Utilise Normal                             Thinking. (Ack JB and CL)
CUOA
Compulsive Use Of Acronyms. Not guilty....... There is the                             true story of the meeting that took place in a particular government office to                             discuss the effects of EMU. Some considerable time into the meeting it was                             discovered that half of the participants thought they were there to discuss the                             European Monetary Union, while the other half were thinking about Environmental                             Monitoring and Utilisation. (With thanks to Kevin Thomas.)
DAGMAR
Defining Advertising Goals for Measured Advertising Results. The principle that the effectiveness of advertising can only be measured if the                             aims of the advertising are clearly specified before it takes place.
DELTA
Doesn't Ever Leave The Airport. Sardonic reverse acronym at                             the Delta airline's expense. I'm sure they are every bit as punctual as all the                             other airlines. (Ack M Navaroli) See several other interpretations of the DELTA                             acronym in the airlines and aviation                             backronyms list.
DFI
Director's Further Instructions/Different Flipping Idea. (Polite version). This wonderfully flexible and expressive term (thanks N                             Purcell) is commonly used in the film and TV industry when a change of plan                             occurs, typically after considerable (and now wasted) effort by the crew to                             achieve the original plan. In fact this frustrating and time-wasting shift in                             executive direction occurs very widely in all areas of management and                             leadership, including at the very highest level. The alternative interpretation                             of meaning - Different Flipping Idea - is the understandably sarcastic response                             from the teams, subordinates and victims of whimsical unthinking leaders, the                             world over. The original meaning 'Director's Further Instructions' conceivably                             dates from the 1930s golden age of film making when Directors of Photography                             (DoPs) wore white lab coats and Heads of Departments (HoDs) were always                             referred to as 'Sir'. Most film/TV technicians today are more familiar with the                             second ironic meaning of this acronym, perhaps reflecting an increasing                             tendency of mind changing among modern directors. The lesson of DFI teaches us                             the importance of good quality planning, consistent project management and                             communications, towards a properly considered aim. When leaders change their                             minds (methods and/or aims) half-way through a project it is nearly always the                             result of poor planning, even though leaders tend to blame changing                             circumstances and deny any personal failing. The advent of changing                             circumstances is not an excuse for poor planning. One of the most crucial and                             often overlooked elements of planning and leadership is to anticipate                             circumstances. This generally involves some good quality thinking and                             consultation, and probably some research too. Where the DFI effect arises, this                             aspect of leadership is almost certainly missing. By way of illustration, a                             certain ex-leader once said at a certain inquiry into a certain disastrous war:                             "It wasn't a lack of planning, it was that we discovered a different set of                             eventualities..." (See leadership tips , leadership theories , project management , and business                             planning .)
DIAGEO
Don't Imagine Any Great Employment Opportunities. Not true of                             course... See the full entry in the corporation backronyms ('corporanyms') list. (Thanks JV for correction.)
DIARRHOEA
Dash In A Real Rush, Hurry Or Else Accident. A daft bacronym to remember how to spell one of                             the most difficult-to-spell words in the English language. The American                             spelling is diarrhea, which is only marginally easier to remember. The word is                             very old indeed, from the ancient Greek equivalent diarrhoia, and diarrhein,                             meaning to flow through, from the Greek words dia (through) and rhein (flow),                             which incidentally is from the earliest European language roots from which                             related words like river, run and (the German river) Rhine are ultimately                             derived. This highly memorable memory device is a fine example of the technique                             of using bacronym constructions to remember difficult words.
DIF (analysis)
Difficulty, Importance, Frequency. DIF Analysis is a method of assessing                             performance, prioritising training needs and planning training, based on three                             perspectives: Difficulty, Importance, and Frequency. The system can be used in                             different ways, commonly entailing a flow diagram and process of assessing                             (scoring) each activity according to the three elements, Difficulty,                             Importance, and Frequency, in that sequence. At a simple level, an activity                             that scores low on all three scales is obviously low priority; whereas an                             activity that scores high on all three scales is a high priority. Weighting                             (significance of each factor relative to the job purpose/aims) is required in                             order to optimise the usefulness and relevance of the system, especially if                             applied to a group or organization. Quicker simpler alternatives of prioritising training are the                             Essential/Desirable (one or the other) grading of activities or job                             competencies, whereby essential skills take priority over desirable ones; or                             the use of a matrix of high/low task importance and high/low skill capability,                             to identify priority training on the basis that there is a high need (low skill                             capability) in an important task or competency. DIF Analysis has roots in                             military training, where traditionally training and development tended to be                             oriented according to task effectiveness and organizational efficiency, rather                             than driven by individual personal development needs.
DIKWIAD?
Do I Know What I Am Doing? Useful reminder to check readiness                             before starting anything which might cause problems if under-prepared. See also IKWIAD .
DILDO
Double Income Little Dog Owners/Dual Income Little Dogs Only. This wonderful funny and illustrative demographic acronym (thanks A de Rooy) is                             relatively recent, perhaps 21st century, although the lifestyle itself has been                             evident among couples in the western world for ages. By implication having                             little dogs and no kids is not a genetic or hereditary tendency. This amusing                             demographic profile - plenty of money and no dependents other than a little dog                             or two - contrasts sharply with the millions of Generation-Y young people in                             relatively low-paid work facing a difficult and economically challenging future                             - far more challenging than is faced by established professionals already on                             the property and career ladders, and especially such people with double income                             and little dogs only. Please note that the word dildo otherwise refers to an                             artificial penis and so could cause offence if used in sensitive situations.                             See Generation-X, Y,                             Baby-Boomers, etc - and separately see the fascinating dildo word                             origins .
DILLIGAFF/DILLIGAD
Does It Look Like I Give A Flying Fig/Do I Look Like I Give A Damn? The use of the word 'Fig' is  a polite substitution.                             Alternatively  DILLIGAF  omits the 'Flying' element. Interpretation is also commonly altered to Do I  Look Like I Give A Fig/Damn? There are also various alternative  end words which are usually rude. This rather insulting and disrepectful expression is mainly  used in dismissively emphasising a lack of time                             or concern for a particular issue, especially in response to a request or appeal from a co-worker, or when potential negative implications of an action or decision are described. DILLIGAFF/DILLIGAD expresses  a personal                             disdain  which could result from pure apathy, or more excusably from stress and pressure produced by   more                             important/urgent  responsibilities and priorities, hence the acronym's use in the                             healthcare industry, and other  sectors where demand exceeds                             available resources and time.  DILLIGAFF expresses  the opposite of empathy , and can also be used                             in training to illustrate the 'apathetic worker' syndrome, created from an imbalanced psychological contract . (Thanks   N Roney,  S Didlick,                             A Burger and the many others.)
DIMWIT
Don't Interrupt Me While I'm Talking. I rarely publish newly                             created acronyms in this listing, but this one is so good I had to include it.                             This was created and sent to me by writer Sandra McCarthy, thanks. An                             alternative interpretation (thanks P Myers) is Dual Income Mortgage We're In                             Trouble.
DIN
Do It Now. See JFDI.... For procrastinators everywhere. As                             the famous quote says: 'We all know what happens to people who stay in the                             middle of the road. They get run over..' (Aneurin Bevan).
DINA
Description Is Not Analysis. Simple yet profoundly useful                             acronym for anyone involved in helping others to think and interpret rather                             than simply paraphrase or describe. Commonly used by teachers when encouraging                             students to be more creative in answering questions. Readily transfers to                             corporate training and evaluation, business report writing, strategic planning,                             etc. (Ack Leena Cohen)
DINK/DINKY
Double Income No Kids/Yet. The only people these days who can                             remotely afford to buy a few bricks of and a couple of fence panels towards                             their first house. The Y for 'yet' was a later addition based on the pluralised                             DINKIES version of the base DINK expression.
DISFOB
Digital Interface is a Shit FOr Brains. Tenuously and                             amusingly constructed, and an obviously insulting term, allegedly used by                             certain members of the computer technical support community to describe an                             inept user. The loose construction of the acronym - which technically should be                             the very unmemorable DIIASFB - probably owes much to it bringing to mind the                             word 'dysfuntional'. Appalling of course. (Ack GJ) See also the ID 10 T code,                             PEBCAK, PICNIC, DISFOB, BDU, ESO, EBCAD and UBAD.
DITCHED
Dual Income, Two CHildren, Expanding Debts. An amusingly                             inventive adaptation and extension (devised by Richard Burn-Smith, thanks) of                             the famous DINKY demographic acronym. Accommodates a slightly larger family; Dual Income, Three CHildren, Expanding Debts. Theoretically also ten,                             twelve, thirteen, twenty or thirty children...
DMAIC
Define opportunity, Measure performance, Analyse opportunity,                             Improve performance, Control performance. The Six Sigma process improvement                             model, used by Six Sigma project teams, as defined by Motorola Inc. An acronym                             - or strictly an abbreviation - from the 1980s. One would have expected that                             such an all-conquering management movement, as Six Sigma seems now to be, could                             have come up with a more memorable mnemonic...
 
Define, Review, Identify, Verify, Execute. Influential and                             useful acronym within the Quality                             Management field. (See Quality                             Management process improvement tools .)
DRIVER
Documents, Records, Interviews, Visuals, Evaluation, Review. For checking or auditing a control process, especially for vehicles and                             maintenance systems (thanks J Hadler). In detail: Documents - check                             documentation is correct; Records - check procedures are recorded; Interviews -                             check staff understand and are committed to the system; Visuals - visually                             double-check that the system has not missed anything (records and interviews do                             not guarantee everything is covered); Evaluation - has the system worked                             properly?; Review - periodically involve all - especially staff - to identify system improvements.
DRM
Digital Rights Management. DRM might seem one of the most                             boring abbreviations in this list, but Digital Rights Management is a hugely                             far-reaching issue. Digital Rights Management is basically the means by which                             intellectual property (IP) is protected and its usage is controlled. This                             particularly applies to intellectual property of the digital age: music, film,                             news, and arguably more significantly: information, software, and technology.                             The implications of Digital Rights Management extend ultimately to the way that                             knowledge and created works of all sorts are spread and made available around                             the world, the process of which of course contributes to the development of                             human civilisation. The 'web 2.0' age of the internet (community-generated                             content and technology provision and sharing) is now challenging how we all                             think and behave towards intellectual property. The internet offers                             unprecedented opportunities for sharing knowledge and extending access to                             created works of all sorts, whereas many IP owners and exploiters have an                             entirely different priority, namely profit. The transference of knowledge and                             technology among people around the world, and from one generation to the next,                             is what determines human progress. And yet typical corporate interpretations of                             DRM essentially seek to frustrate this process. Where DRM is restrictive and greedy, so knowledge and human advancement are suppressed. Where DRM is open                             and giving, so knowledge and advancement are expansive. The begs certain                             questions of IP owners and also of those who might challenge their behaviour                             and motives. For example, to what extent can people and organisations who have                             already made vast fortunes from their intellectual property be a little more                             willing to share for free? Could multi-billionaires start helping the world                             earlier, before accumulating such an incomprehensible level of personal wealth?                             Does accumulating money and power and corporate success make people mean and                             greedy, or are they mean and greedy to start with, and that's what makes them                             so effective at protecting and exploiting what they create? What is most                             important: making a ton of money, or making the most of what you can offer the                             world? These and other unfathomable questions will not be answered here and                             now, but in the way future generations look back on it all. And anyway, will                             anyone actually want to pay money for Cliff Richard's music in 80 years                             time?..
DRT
Dead Right There. (ODSA) Doctors and nurses shorthand                             acronym for a patient found dead at the scene.
DRTTTT
Dead Right There, There, There, and There. (ODSA) Nurses and                             doctors abbreviation, as DRT above, but used for pedestrian-train incidents. This outrageous acronym is an example of the human species' tendency to use                             humour when dealing with horrific trauma.
DRTAGTSTW
Dead Right There And Going To Stay That Way. Extended version                             of DRT used by certain US police and fire-rescue personnel in incidents                             involving catastrophic injuries. (Ack J Attison)
DTS
Danger To Shipping. Another healthcare coded shorthand term                             for particularly obese patients, very transferable (and equally insulting) to                             anyone who ate all the pies. Use with great care, in fact best not use it at                             all. (thanks D Chadwick)
DUTCHIE
Defer Until The Christmas Holiday Is Ended. Seasonal acronym                             explaining why most business comes to a grinding stop for two whole weeks at                             the end of the year. See also LUCID.
E2EG
Ear To Ear Grin. A reference to  a person feeling and/or showing  considerable satisfaction or amusement. A slightly more sophisticated or understated alternative to LOL (Laughing Out Loud).
E&OE
Errors and Omissions Excepted. Shorthand disclaimer notice,                             used as a rider at the bottom of invoices and other documents with potentially legal and contractual implications. Effectively means that no liability is                             accepted for mistakes and omissions. (Ack N Whiteley)
EBCAD
Error Between Chair and Desk. ITC helpdesk shorthand, but of                             course not necessarily restricted to IT applications. EBCAD (Thanks P Bretnall)                             is a lovely variation on PEBCAK , and actually is                             far more widely useable since it better defines the human element                             (carelessness, ruthlessness, greed, laziness, etc) typically found to be at                             fault when things go tits up. Even the great noughties Credit Crunch and the                             beginning of the end of the free market economy as we once knew it can                             ultimately be distilled to a single simple common EBCAD error, albeit                             replicated across the most significant executive offices of the financial and                             regulatory world. See also PICNIC .
EBITDA
Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and                             Amortization. One of a series of esoteric 'EB' (Earnings Before..)                             financial acronyms, eg, EBT = Earnings Before Taxes; EBIAT = Earnings Before                             Interest after Taxes; EBIT = Earnings Before Interest and Taxes; EBITD =                             Earnings Before Interest, Taxes and Depreciation; and the completely unrelated                             EBRD = European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. (Earnings are profits                             from operating and non-operating activities.) More financial terms and                             definitions on the financial terms and acronyms section.
EDINBURGH
Elated Darling, I'm Near, Book Usual Room, Grand Hotel. Lovers code from way back. You see, people have been using social and flirting                             short-hand for generations - before texting was ever imagined, see also SWALK,                             NORWICH, etc.
EDIP
Explain, Demonstrate, Imitate, Practice. This is such a                             brilliant simple teaching and learning model. Apparently (thanks G Webber) EDIP                             is used in explaining teaching methods to trainee instructors at the UK Fire                             Service College. It's applicable just about everywhere else too.
EFTPOS
Electronic Funds Transfer at Point Of Sale. Retail acronym                             (thanks L Starkey). This is an extension of earlier EPOS (Electronic Point Of                             Sale) technoloogy which was initially concerned with stock management. Modern                             point of sale systems allow payment by electronic credit or debit method via                             connection to a central banking agency. It is now frighteningly easy to buy                             things, and this ease progressively increases. In fact the efficiency of the                             technology will inevitably and literally (with the replacement of PIN codes by                             iris recognition) turn the moment of purchase into a mere blink of the eye.
EGYPT
Eager To Grab Your Pretty Toes/Tits/Testicles. Non-pc armed                             forces acronym code used in letters to sweethearts at home, as other examples                             NORWICH, SWALK, HOLLAND, BURMA, CHIP, etc. (Ack R Tickner)
EPACA
Fur Coat No Knickers. And with similar meanings, see also BHNC and AMAT . (Ack M                             Price)
FDGB
Fall Down Go Boom. Hospital accident and emergency notes                             acronym often referring to a patient's injuries caused by alcohol abuse.                             (Thanks B Villona) See also PAFO .
 
FEAR
Forget Everything And Run. Polite version. One of the                             best reverse acronyms (bacronym/backronym is the modern term) ever devised                             (thanks A Davice). The acronym explains what happens when the fear response                             takes over, and the primative brain switches to auto-pilot. Great for                             presentations training and 'training the trainer', to emphasise why nobody ever                             does anything really well under extreme stress except shut down. There are                             fruitier interpretations of the word Forget of course. An alternative acronym                             meaning which addresses the point that fear is 'all in the mind', and therefore                             not to feel so threatened by it, was popularised by Zig Ziglar: False                             Evidence Appearing Real. See the domino                             trick for a demonstration of false evidence. Additionally I am informed                             (thanks C Lane, who originated the following clever alternative) of another                             excellent interpretation of the FEAR acronym, for use especially in teaching                             public speaking and presentation skills, where one's natural FEAR response can                             be seen instead in terms of nervousness benefits: Focused Energized Alert                             Ready. Incidental to the notion of fear and pressure affecting performance,                             the funny Weakest Link answers and                             also the amusing Family Fortunes                             answers provide wonderful examples of how pressure is sometimes a major                             factor in human error.
FFFF (or the 4F's)
Find 'em, Feel 'em, Fondle'em, and Forget 'em. Polite                             version. This expression is in this listing for historical reference only and                             is not recommended for use anywhere. The Four F's probably originated and                             certainly came to prominence in the British Armed Forces, WWII. In its day the                             expression was of course gender specific but now in this age of gender equality                             is not necessarily so. (Ack G Day)
 
FIDO
Forget It and Drive On. An acronym made popular by                             motivational writer and speaker Zig Ziglar. Dwelling on past disappointments or                             seeking revenge is self-destructive. It's far better to concentrate effort on                             the next challenge. See also SUMO and BUFFS.
FIAT
Fart In A Trance. Every organization has a person who seems                             to be perpetually in FIAT mode. Most of us experience being in this state at                             least a couple of times a week, especially Mondays after heavy weekend, or                             while captive in corporate presentations or boring training sessions.                             Alternative to MEGO. (Ack Tony Lomas)
FIFO
First In First Out. Originally an accounting term, to provide                             a convention for writing down the balance sheet value of assets of the same                             type. Applies to any situation where the oldest go first and the newest stay                             longest, but a perilous policy in terms of staff. See ageism . More controversially                             (ack GR) FIFO describes the uncaring autocratic culture of certain employers - Fit In or F Off.
FILO
First In Last Out. Again originally an accounting term for                             depreciation practice, whereby the oldest assets are the last to be written                             off. The term has wider applications, particularly rock festival car parks,                             overcrowded tube trains and airport buses.
FILTH
Failed In London, Try Hong-Kong. Before handover of Hong-Kong                             by the UK to China in 1999, this acronym sardonically reflected the treatment                             by certain multi-national employers of under-performing or out-of-favour staff.                             (Ack JW)
FIGJAM
Flip Im Good, Just Ask Me. Polite version. Superb                             acronym, with Australian origins apparently, for show-offs and big-heads                             everywhere. Ideal code for referring to person or behaviour when someone holds                             a very high opinion of themselves, through self-delusion, arrogance, or because                             they happen to be held in unreasonably high esteem by a superior. '...he's full                             of FIGJAM...' (Ack NB)
FIGS
French, Italian, German, Spanish. Shorthand used by some in                             considering or targeting the traditional four main languages of the European                             market and the demographics and communications variations required to address                             it.
FINE
Fanatical, Insecure, Neurotic and Emotional. Alternative                             ironic acronym response (thanks D Jenkins) to the universal question, "How are                             you?.." Perhaps more widely applicable is the version (thanks Dr P Cooper): Fed-up, Insecure, Neurotic and Emotional. FINE is also interpreted to                             mean (thanks K Freeman) as a comment on someone else's mood: Feelings Inside                             Not Expressed, notably in the context of attitude, communications,                             coaching, life-change, etc. People commonly respond to the question, "How are                             you?" by saying "Fine," when they perhaps are anything but fine. Alternatively,                             ruder, and toned-down accordingly (thanks W O'Leary) - Flipping Incapable of                             Normal Emotion.
FIRE
Find Inform Restrict Extinguish. One of those wonderful                             acronyms in which the new word actually relates to the subject; this one for                             student fire-fighters, and anybody else for that matter, since it represents                             the essential rules and process of dealing with fires. (Ack JH)
FISH
Forget It, Stuff Happens. This is the polite version of Feck  It, Shite Happens, and its more obvious variant. Like FIDO (Forget it and Drive On), this is a wonderful maxim for picking yourself up after a disappointment, and getting on with the job, or life in general. FISH is more obscurely interpreted to mean First In Stays Here, which is a stock-control expression, similar to FIST (thanks A Chapman, no relation) also, Flip! I'm Staying Here,                             the polite version of a ruder Royal Navy expression, and no doubt said elsewhere too at                             times of pressure or threat (thanks P Burns).
FISH & CHIPS
Fighting In Someone's House & Causing Havoc In People's                             Streets. Army infantry acronym for urban warfare.
FIST
First In Stays There. Financial and stock-holding term,                             describing the practice of not rotating the stock, so that the first pieces of                             stock stay in stock and 'on the books' for ever. (Ack J Taylor)
FITH
Fecked In The Head. Marginally more polite version than the                             common form. One of many no-nonsense nurses' acronyms to describe a patient's                             condition in terms that fall some way short of being politically correct. (Ack                             Charli)
FLA
Four Letter Acronym. Arguable contradiction in terms, and                             companion acronym for TLA. See also UTLA and UFLA.
FLK
Funny Looking Kid. (ODSA). Used by medical and healthcare                             folk to describe an infant or newborn whose looks are unlikely to provide a                             passport to fame and fortune. Perhaps (aside from dark humour at work) this is a manifestation of some sort of envy, given that 'funny looking kids' often                             grow to be some of the loveliest people you could ever wish to meet. Where we                             fear and ridicule funny looking people, deep down perhaps we see in them a                             strength and resolve that normal looking folk don't possess, because we've                             never had to. (Ever read Mary Shelly's Frankenstein?...)
FLKFLP
Funny Looking Kid, Funny Looking Parents. Healthcare acronym.                             See above. (Ack S Pennington)
FLOFTUS
First Lady OF The United States. Acronym for the president's                             wife, used by Whitehouse staff according to Richard Clarke, in preference to                             the more obvious and widely referenced FLOTUS. It's a mystery why the F is                             employed - perhaps FLOTUS means something else as well? Answers on a postcard                             please... First suggestion (ack Kit Watson): "I can think of a reason why they                             use 'FLOFTUS' and not 'FLOTUS'. Flotus is very close to the word 'Flatus',                             which refers to the gas passed in flatulence..."
FLUF
Fat Little Ugly Fellow. Polite version. Normally the word                             'fellow' would be substituted. For a short boss with Napoleonic syndrome. (Ack                             D Harrison)
 
FMCG
Fast Moving Consumer Goods. An acronym that lots of people                             have heard and don't know what it means. FMCG typically describes products (and                             the entire industry behind these products) that supermarkets and other big                             stores, and increasingly online retailers, sell in big volumes, at relatively                             low profit margins, to domestic consumers. FMCG traditionally referred to foods                             and groceries, household consumables, small electricals, inexpensive toys and                             games, but the abbreviation extends more recently in this worryingly                             increasingly disposable age to clothes, books, kitchenware, fabrics and                             textiles, even furniture, and before long no doubt, to phones, TVs, computers,                             and all sorts of other products which people buy and consume, or discard very                             quickly, often because the product has broken or become obsolete, or is no                             longer compatible.
FND
Flipping Nearly Died. Polite version of healthcare term,                             transferrable to descriptions of any traumatic aftermath, eg, sales conferences                             involving overnight stays and obliging night porters; excessive outward bound                             courses; car journeys with the firm's worst driver, etc. (Ack. A Carr)
FNG
Flipping New Guy. Polite version. Increasingly common acronym                             for the new recruit, especially in certain institutional environments (armed                             forces, police, etc) where new people stick out more prominently than the                             seasoned staff. Less relevant in organisations with a quicker staff turnover                             where the majority of the workforce can be FNG's. Alternatively expressed (ack                             T Birt) as a made-up word based on the phonetic quality of the FNG acronym:                             'Fnoogy'.
FOAK
First Of A Kind. An acronym to illustrate the development or                             attainment of uniqueness, relevant to developing sales and business                             propositions, USP's and value-added offerings. (Ack PL) See also GOAT.
FOB
Free On Board/Fresh Off the Boat. FOB is an import/export                             term relating to the point (outgoing port or airport usually) at which                             responsibility for goods, insurance, and costs of transport, passes from seller                             (exporter) to buyer (importer). The FOB expression originates from the meaning                             that the buyer is free of liability up to the point that the goods are loaded                             on board the ship. In recent years FOB is used less specifically, even to the                             extent that other meanings are inferred from the acronym, most commonly Freight On Board (which appears in many online dictionaries and acronyms                             listings), and I've also heard of Fixed On Board. These distortions                             reflect the fact that the FOB principle is not readily recognised or understood                             as the Free On Board original (and quite old) meaning. When language                             doesn't make obvious sense people are apt to change it. If you use or hear the                             term used in a shipping context it's sensible to clarify precise meaning. More explanation about FOB in the                             financial terms section . Aside from the shipping usage, FOB is a slang and                             derogatory expression Fresh Off the Boat, (thanks Clint S) referring,                             usually insultingly, to a newly arrived person or group lacking in local                             experience/knowledge, which alludes strongly to the notion of immigrants coming                             by sea into a new country.
FOBIO
Frequently Outwitted By Inanimate Objects. Ideal for anyone                             struggling with one of those ridiculous picnic tables, flat-pack self-assembly                             furniture, crisis situations caused by errant cars, computers, mobile phones,                             and the ultimate FOBIO challenge - removing the cellophane from a new CD.
FOC
Free Of Charge. Widely used acronym promising a good deal,                             however see TANSTAAFL.
FOCUS(ED)
Futuristic Observation Creates Unique Solutions (Enabling                             Development). Training and presentations acronym to emphasise that vision                             is essential for creating unique solutions and development. (Ack PL)
FOFO
Feck Off and Find Out. Regrettably there is no easy polite                             alternative to the F Off term. I'm doing my best to tread a narrow line without                             resorting to those silly ****s all over the place. One of the great training                             and management acronyms, it emphasises the opportunity or requirement for                             people to find answers themselves rather than be spoon-fed, which achieves                             little. Generally the process of development is much strengthened using FOFO                             principles wherever possible. Nevertheless, use it with care and with humour -                             see the Transactional Analysis guidelines on keeping                             communications adult-to-adult. If in doubt use GAAFOFY instead (see GAAFOFY).                             See also WIOFYFS. (FOFO: Ack. Neal Stothard)
FOOSH
Fall On Out-Stretched Hand. Medical acronym describing cause                             of injury to hand, wrist, etc. (Thanks B Villona)
FORCE
Focus On Reducing Costs Everywhere. From USA industry. An                             acronym that can be applied anywhere. Perhaps not the most progressive strategy                             ever invented, but sometimes necessary and helpful, provided the cost-cutting                             does not prevent activities that would otherwise bring good and fast returns on                             investment, and also provided that the long-term well-being of operations and                             people are not sacrificed. (Ack P Lock)
FORD
Found On Roadside, Dead. Apt and amusing acronym ( backronym actually) to describe a project,                             idea, etc., not worth bothering with, due to high probabilty of ultimate                             failure. A quick explanation for not pursuing the non-viable. An excellent                             reminder of the need to invest one's time productively. (Ack D Compton)                             Alternatively, in relation to the car make, Found On Rubbish Dump. (Ack                             T Day). Alterntively and amusingly: Fix Or Repair Daily (Ack AJ), or                             arguably a more grammatically correct expression Fix Or Replace Daily (Ack SM). Then there is Flip Over, Read Directions, also First On                             Race Day, and how about For Outstanding Reliability and                             Dependability... (ack PL) See further automotive acronyms .
FRACS
Fornicates Regularly And Chain Smokes. (ODSA) The polite                             version is arguably better than the rude one. Nurses and doctors acronym for                             covert patients notes. (Ack L Speden)
FRED
Flipping Ridiculous Electronic Device. Polite version. An                             increasingly popular acronym that many people now use to describe a computer or other gadget causing frustration or technical difficulty for the user.
FUBAR
Fouled Up Beyond All Recognition. Polie version. Sister                             acronym to FUBB below, dating from way back and like FUBB popularised by                             American forces in the 2nd World War. The more polite version is commonly                             altered to Fouled Up Beyond All Recognition. (Thanks M Cook) FUBAR is                             now particularly used in the IT industry and healthcare sectors, for example (it is alleged) to describe a patient with specialised                             needs who has been treated by non-specialist doctors, and for whom now it is                             impossible to tell what signs/symptoms are due to the disease and what are to                             the inappropriate treatment. The expression is sometimes combined with BUNDY,                             ie., FUBAR-BUNDY = a FUBAR, for whom it is now too late for effective                             treatment. See also related terms such as SNAFU and VSF ,                             etc. (Ack E Thomas and the many others)
FUBB
Fouled Up Beyond Belief. Polite version. An old                             acronym that is just as useful today as when first devised. Probably originated                             in the 2nd World War.
F**K
Finest Universal Cleaner Known/Fornication Under Consent of the                             King/For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge. First, let's deal with the 'Finest                             Universal Cleaner Known' bacronym .                             Apparently this was initially a Royal Navy acronym (bacronym) to describe                             'elbow grease' and a reminder that physical effort generally produces the best                             results of all, irrespective of modern technology. The meaning behind this                             wonderful acronym is supported by the following story (thanks N Spargo):                             Apparently just before the Second World War, the British armed forces adopted                             new webbing, (the belt and harness to carry ammunition, water bottle, bayonet,                             etc). The new webbing was made of heavy canvas (khaki for the Army, blue-grey                             for the Air Force, white for the Navy), with numerous brass buckles and strap                             tabs. Of course the webbing had to be kept clean and bright, for which sailors                             were issued Blanco (whitening) and Brasso (brass polish). Early examples of the                             new webbing were particularly difficult to clean, whereupon official                             instruction from the old Chief Petty Officers was to use plenty of 'elbow                             grease', given that this was the 'Finest Universal Cleaner Known'. The sailors                             soon recognised the significance of the initials and developed a typical piece                             of folk wisdom: "If Blanco don't whiten it and Brasso don't brighten it then                             FUCK it.." See also BUGGER . Separately FUCK has                             been interpreted as a bacronym with the meaning Fornication Under Consent of                             the King, and separately (thanks B Murray) also For Unlawful Carnal                             Knowledge, around both of which various stories assert that these                             expressions are the roots of the word itself, although sadly, none is true. See                             the fuck entry in the words                             and cliches page.
FUCT
Failed Under Continuous Testing. In other words, broken. One                             of the all-time great acronyms, and nothing rude about it at all, surely. Used                             especially by technical people in the entertainment industry and deserves usage                             and recognition on a global scale. Also expands to FUCT UP (Failed                             Under Continuous Testing Under Pressure). Arguably both are reverse                             acronyms, however you can't argue with them being very funny and elegantly                             succinct. In addition to the acronym itself, a particularly amusing example of                             usage was sent to me (thanks P Giles): 'F U C T U P' written one letter each                             across the six broken channels of a lighting control desk.
FUD
Fear, Uncertainty and Doubt. Acronym from the marketing                             world, in which propositions leveraged by FUD create additional motivation for                             the target audience to buy or act - for example Y2K computer scare stories,                             various types of insurance, extended warranties and guarantees, security and                             surveillance offerings; typically most preventative products and services.                             (Thanks M Adamson)
FUGAZI
Foul Up, Got Ambushed, Zipped In. Polite version. Seemingly                             the FUGAZI acronym was first coined by US troops in Vietnam. FUGAZI is                             potentially transferable to other disasters resulting from poor preparation and                             over-confidence, eg., training sessions which turn into mutinies and customer                             meetings which force the supplier to give away massive concessions. FUGAZI was                             a Marillion album title (they knew what it meant) apparently, and is also a                             band (who didn't know what it meant - apparently). See also P6,                             etc . (Ack M Andrews)
FUJIYAMA
Feck You Jack I'm Alright. Marginally polite version. A                             fruity old acronym that's not a precise abbreviation, instead partly a clever                             phonetic structure in which the 'IYAM' element equates to the words I am, or                             'I'm. The expression is from the rank and file soldiers of the 2nd World War,                             notably and almost certainly originating in the Pacific war zones.                             Interestingly this acronym also provided the origin of the more recent                             expression and humourous boast, at the expense of a lumbered mate: 'I'm alright                             Jack', which of course means the same as the full orignal FUJIYAMA version.
GAAFOFY
Go Away And Find Out For Yourself. Now this one looks like                             it's going to be packed full of swear words, but strangely it's not. A motto                             for self-reliance and taking personal responsibility. The quest for empowered                             people in organisations cuts both ways - the organisation needs to give people                             more freedom, and people need to take responsibility for finding their own                             answers and solutions. Managers of course need to support the process of                             achieving all this (see delegation and Tannenbaum & Schmidt ). GAAFOFY is also a super                             acronym for daft questions received in a training, teaching and coaching                             context. It's a reminder that we all need to seek our own answers rather than                             rely on 'received wisdom' or someone else's solution that might well be overdue                             for improvement. See also WIOFYFS. For a free GAAFOFY colour poster see the free businessballs                             posters page.
GAAP
Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. To non-accountants                             this may seem a contradiction in terms.
GAAR
General Anti-Avoidance Rule. Pertaining to taxation and the                             avoidance thereof.
GAAS
Generally Accepted Auditing Standards. Perhaps only                             marginally less contradictory than GAAP, but they do exist, honestly.
GADD
Generation-Attention Deficit Disorder (Generation-ADD). Amusing if slightly insulting (and ironically, envious) reference to the modern                             generation of young people who need and can effectively absorb information,                             learning, entertainment, advertising, etc., much more quickly than older folk.                             Previous generations (X, Y, Baby-boomers for example) were brought up reading                             whole books, writing memos, and attending meetings, so their brains tend to be                             less well-tuned to the dramatically abbreviated communications and speed of                             life which characterise the blackberryfacespace age. GADD people even have                             their own language - largely free of vowels, punctuation, capital letters, etc                             - which older people criticise, but this is exactly how life and society                             changes. Each successive generation becomes quicker and more efficient at                             sending and receiving information, and this also extends to entertainment and                             leisure activities. To older people this faster lifstyle seems like laziness or                             carelessness, but in fact it is more a reflection of the progressive sharpening                             of human brainpower. Interestingly, genius minds of any generation have very                             low spans of attention: a sharp mind grasps a concept extremely quickly,                             becomes bored very quickly, and naturally seeks alternative stimulus if the                             present issue starts to drag. Despite what we might read about the worsening                             standards of education, young people are very sharp indeed. Civilisation                             advances proportionately to knowledge transfer and human collaboration. Quick                             brains facilitate this, therefore so-called 'attention deficit disorder' among                             youngsters is a healthy indication that civilisation continues to progress,                             which is gr8. See the generational theory                             model .
GADLAFTAC
Gates Are Down, Lights Are Flashing, Train Ain't Coming. Reference to a person or group exhibiting encouraging signs of understanding                             and capability, and then failing to act or respond due to some sort of serious                             and usually permanent malfunction. See also LOBNAH , PEARL , MEGO
GAK
God Alone Knows. Originally British First World War doctor's                             shorthand on a traumatised soldier's medical report for shell-shock or other                             nervous disorder (this prior to any official recognition of nervous condition                             resulting from months or years active service under fire and bombardment).                             Nowadays GAK serves as an incredulous reponse to any unfathomable question. See                             also NYDN.
GASP
Group Against Smokers Pollution. Nothing to do with business,                             but a really great acronym, technically a bacronym .
GEM
Going the Extra Mile. GEM is a very memorable, neat and                             powerful acronym for all sorts of situations relating to effort, quality,                             commitment, motivation, development, design, creativity, selling, customer                             service, leading, inspiring, teaching - in fact any activity, responsibility,                             project or task which benefits from extra thought, enthusiasm and energy, to                             produce an effect beyond usual expectations or standards. GEM appears in themes                             and promotional messages for a variety of situations because it's an elegant                             impactful statement underpinned by a very potent concept - that of always                             striving to do better - to 'over-deliver' and to exceed expectations, in the                             (very correct) belief that doing so will produce great outcomes for the giver                             and receiver; supplier and customer. GEM is especially relevant for beating                             competition and delighting customers. It's also a wonderful maxim for building                             self-esteem, integrity, respect, credibility, reputation and positive human                             relationships. GEM is actually an attitude for life as a whole: if a job is                             worth doing then it's worth doing in the best way you can. GEM people are                             noticed and remembered; they become trusted and valued, and accordingly, GEM,                             simple though it seems, is a wonderful life-code. (Thanks N & N)
GIGO
Garbage In Garbage Out. Originated as a computer metaphor but                             deserves a much wider exposure. Use freely for any situation at all that                             involves effort and output (esp. design, recruitment, purchasing, etc.)                             Variations include CICO = Crap In Crap Out, and SISO, which you'll be able to                             work out for yourself. (Ack. GJ)
GLM
Good Looking Mum. Healthcare industry shorthand. Less earthy                             and somewhat more detached than the MILF alternative.
GLAM
Greying, Leisured, Affluent, Married. Another wonderful                             demographics acronym.
GMC
Garbage Made Carefully. A wonderful example of industrial                             warfare by acronym (no offence intended). "Lil' som'thing back from the Ford                             guys...." (Ack S Clory)
GMY
Godt Mitt You. (God be with you) The only Anglo-German hybrid                             abbreviation I know, used today as a sign-off in certain naval communications,                             notably still among Swedish vessels. Some believe its origin dates from the 2nd                             World War, when the message was sent between British and German enemy                             submarines operating in surface mode, when traditionally they would not engage,                             other than to communicate their mutual respect through this expression. (Ack                             Robert Stael Von Holstein) Others possible origins are suggested: That GMY was                             a greeting between German Wolfpack submarines during WWII who used the mixture                             of German and English words to confuse the allies; it was a traditional                             greeting between commercial ships; it stems from old unofficial telegraph code;                             is was an invention of a Swedish naval officer. Apparently the signal GMY is                             mentioned in "I nationens intresse", a novel by Jan Guillou. A retired WWII                             navy officer ascribes the origin of the signal to Christer Kierkegaard, who                             died 1999. There is apparently no mention of GMY in British or German signal                             books from WWII. (Ack Pieter Kuiper) If you can read Swedish these's more about                             GMY here .
GOAT
Greatest Of All Time. An acronym from the sporting                             commentators' book of superlatives, and transferable to all. Everyone can be                             GOAT at what they do and who they are. An alternative and related meaning for                             GOAT, as referenced by positive thinking writer Douglas Miller, is Goals,                             Objectives, Aims, Targets. In his excellent book                             about positive thinking , Miller uses the metaphor of 'herding' your GOAT's                             to explain the importance of organising personal activities so that they are                             focused on clear meaningful outputs, and in this respect there is a certain                             resonance between both GOAT acronym interpretations: decide what you want to be                             great at and then organise your plans accordingly.
GBC
General Body Crumble. (ODSA) Healthcare acronym to describe                             an elderly person with no specific diagnosis, but just generally deteriorating.                             (ack ET)
GOCO
Government Owned, Contractor Operated. An admission by                             government that they have the expertise to run the country (supposedly) but not                             anything as practical as a hot-dog stall.
GOFER
Genial Old Farts Enjoying Retirement. Super demographics                             acronym, allegedly originally seen on the back of a caravan touring Australia;                             now much used at retirement parties. Alternative meaning in similar context is Genial Old Fisherman Enjoying Recreation. (Ack LA)
GOK
God Only Knows. (ODSA) Apparently a popular healthcare                             diagnosis from many years ago, used especially on bank holidays/weekends, after                             midnight or when there was an important football match on TV. After a very                             quick visit to A&E the junior doctor would diagnose GOK and admit the                             patient to a ward, often adding LTNWIO (let the nurses work it out). Such                             patients not infrequently later had an ERCP. (ack ET)
GOLF
Gentlemen Only, Ladies Forbidden. For chauvinists everywhere.                             Especially at the golf club. This is a bacronym , not the origin of the word golf .                             (Ack C Judd)
GOMER
Get Out of My Emergency Room. (ODSA) Abbreviation used on                             ungrateful, unworthy patient's notes; another superb contribution from LA                             nurses. (Ack KT)
GOSPA
Goals, Objectives, Strategies, Plans, Activities. A simple                             blueprint and order of thinking for business planning of any sort, even for                             large complex challenges and entire businesses. (Thanks Chris Starke)
GOYA
Get Off Your Arse/Ass. Acronyms are especially appealing when                             they are also a known word or name (see bacronym ), although in this case the Spanish                             painter Francisco Goya was actually quite prolific and probably needed no such                             encouragement. Any connection is purely coincidental, as the saying goes. The                             acronym seems to have originated in the US military. (Thanks M Grasso)
GPO
Good for Parts Only. Healthcare acronym. Not the most                             optimistic diagnosis. Also  (thanks J Fobian) used in similar deathly fashion in the automotive industry. Was originally the British General Post Office, and is still the somewhat infrequently used  yet rather more exciting Giant Pacific Octopus. Three little letters... yet so many pictures.
GREND(s)
Graduate(s) Renting, Employed, No Deposit. Demographics                             acronym, emerging as an increasingly common social grouping during the first                             decade of the 2000s, in which each element significantly reflects societal and                             economics pressures and circumstances of the times, notably that: there are                             more university graduates than ever; many graduates find work of one sort or                             another; but the type or work and/or the level of pay rarely enables the                             possibility to buy a property; and often not even the possibility to save for a                             rental deposit.
GRIT
Group, Range, Indication, Type of fire. A military acronym                             which adapts strongly for marketing and advertising, and any situation where a message or approach is aimed at a target audience/customer group. In the                             military, the acronym teaches and reminds how to give fire control orders, but                             the key points relate with a little adaptation to all sorts of engagements with                             a 'target' audience:
Group - identify who will fire (i.e., the gun group -                                 although for non-military situations the word 'gun' more memorably represents                                 the source or medium of the communication)
Range - the distance to the target (or for non-military                                 situations, the location/territory of the target audience)
Indication - describe the target (or for non-military                                 situations, a profile of the target customer/audience)
Type of fire - describe the type of fire to give (or for                                 non-military situations, define the message/communication/advert) (Thanks M                                 Green)
GROLIES
Guardian Reader Of Limited Intelligence, Ethnic Skirt. (ODSA)                             See FLK and other ODSAs. Use with care if you must use is at all, and whilst                             not necessarily recommended, there is a potential application for explaining the more technical aspects of customer profiling.
GROW
Goals, Reality, Options, Will. A maxim from the life-coaching                             industry, which makes a lot of sense, and is relevant to any situation that                             requires realistic objectives to be established, and then the planning and                             determination to achieve them.
GUBU
Grotesque, Unbelievable, Bizarre, and Unprecedented. GUBU is                             a sort of maxim of political and corporate infamy, effectively invented by                             Charles, J Haughey, Taoiseach of Ireland (Prime Minister) for three separate                             terms between 1979-92. Charles Haughey became embroiled in several outrageous                             scandals related to abuse of his position and financial affairs, and when                             questioned on one occasion prior to his eventual fall from grace he responded                             that the accusations were "...grotesque, unbelievable, bizarre, and                             unprecedented..." GUBU has since become a popular acronym in Ireland, and                             it is listed here because the underlying meaning and message is obviously                             transferable to all sorts of corporate and political so-called leaders, who                             abuse their power and insult the intelligence and tolerance of ordinary people,                             and then shamelessly deny their shortcomings and deceit with the GUBU defence.                             (Ack S Doherty)
GWR
Goes When Ready. A 'bacronym' popular in the days of the original                             Great Western Railway (which makes it over 50 years old - see full entry in corporanyms section ) and                             of course transferable to many situations and people which act when ready and                             not before. As such GWR is a novel way to describe or present a personality or                             system which cannot be moved or changed without suitable preparation and                             patience. GWR people tend to be process and detail oriented. GWR situations                             tend to be big complex systems or networks (large old organizations and                             institutions) with lots of entrenched practices and attitudes.
HALO and HAHO
Helping And Leading Others - HALO is an inspirational and                             very elegant acronym (arguably also a bacronym ) for many situations where                             benevolent/compassionate leadership qualities are called for, for example                             managing people, teaching and training, counselling, facilitating, parenting,                             and especially leadership , specifically relating                             to leadership theories such as 'Servant Leadership' .                             In the same spirit (please forgive the pun ), HALO is interpreted a                             little cruelly by some to mean Help A Loser Out, in which the motive is                             decent if the attitude is somewhat patronizing or cynical. This is not to be                             confused with the term 'Halo                             Effect' , which is not necessarily an indicator of goodness (see also BIRGing ). More technically and entirely                             differently, HALO refers in military and parachuting/skydiving circles (again                             please forgive the pun) to High Altitude, Low Opening, which means that                             the parachutist exits the aircraft at very high altitude (typically 15,000ft up                             to 35,000ft), and skydives most of the way down (very quickly, in other words),                             opening the parachute late and close to the ground. It's dangerous because of                             oxygen/breathing, air pressure and temperature risks, but safer than HAHO - High Altitude, High Opening - (used when the noise of                             parachutes opening close to the ground needs to be avoided) where besides the                             ordinary risks of high-altitude jumping, the parachutist can be blown by the                             wind as far as 40 miles away from the intended landing spot. We can liken HAHO - High Altitude, High Opening (and juxtapose it                             interestingly alongside Helping And Leading Others) - to the                             difficulties of managing/performing any project/task where premature                             conclusions and decisions are made arrogantly/ignorantly at a great distance                             from the situation concerned, which tends to entail very big risks arising from                             poor information, miscalculations, faulty assumptions, and leads to misguided                             badly-timed off-target resources/efforts/actions, producing bigger problems,                             losses, disasters, etc. Obvious examples of HAHO misadventures are military                             interventions in far away territories, government interference in local                             services (education, health, policing, etc), and corporate takeovers motivated                             for the enrichment of the predators.
HARTL
(This is now in the corporate backronyms 'corporanyms'                             list)
HASELL
Height, Airframe, Security, Engine, Location, Lookout. Checklist system popular in private pilot licence training for stall recovery                             and also used prior to aerobatics.
HCM
Human Capital Management. Arguably the same as HRM (Human                             Resources Management), although many (especially in the HCM field) would                             disagree, pointing to various 'new' HCM components linked to such terms as 'new                             economy', but which strictly speaking could be covered simply by a modern view                             of HRM. As with many labels, differences between HRM and HCM largely depend on                             your own situation and interpretation. If it suits your context/audience to                             differentiate between traditional HRM and more open and progressive methods                             (HCM) for managing people within an organization, then using the HCM title                             might bertter emphasise the difference or change you are aiming to achieve. If                             are studying modern HR practices and methods then again you will tend to find                             such ideas being presented under the HCM heading. But don't be kidded that the                             label itself changes anything. Good HRM will always be better than crap HCM.                             The use of a new title doesn't automatically ensure a successful initiative or                             implementation. On a more specific point, you will see the word 'Reporting'                             commonly appended to the Human Capital term, which indicates the additional                             emphasis on analysis and accountability that perhaps most distinguishes HCM                             from the traditional HRM in practice, although there is nothing to prevent well                             run Human Resources activities enabling and generating just the same reporting                             needs and outputs. What these things are called is not the issue - it's what                             actually goes on that matters. Cynics would say that HCM is not so much a                             different field, it's more a different way to sell more services, books,                             training, and the like. The HCM term has arisen in recent years, as new                             buzzwords and abbreviations tend to, when sufficient people embrace the idea                             that a new approach is warranted or opportune, in which case a new brand or                             packaging usually happens. How long the HCM expression lasts, and the notion                             that it is very different really from modern Human Resources Management,                             remains to be seen. As ever, it's not the label, but the precise definition and                             practice that counts. That said, if anyone would like to suggest any aspect of                             HCM that is not possible under HRM, please feel                             free , and I'll gladly publish the comments, or better still put together                             some sort of matrix by which the two terms can usefully be compared.
HEW
High Earning Worker. Demographic acronym, representing the                             UK's 534,000 people who earn more than £100,000 per household and yet                             regard themselves as 'working class', according to the Future Foundation (May                             2006).
 
HIP
Honesty, Integrity, Plain-dealing. This little acronym is a                             useful teaching item about management and business ethics ,                             probity, corporate governance, and leadership , etc.. The three principles of Honesty, Integrity, and Plain-dealing were subject to                             considerable publicity in the 2012 aftermath of the Barclays Bank 'rate-fixing'                             scandal. Barclays Bank traders were found to have distorted (both for                             considerable corporate benefit and personal gain) crucial LIBOR (London                             Inter-Bank Offered Rate) and Euribor (Euro Interbank Offered Rate) reports in                             the run-up to the global financial crisis of 2008 and beyond, specifically                             2005-2009, for which subsequently the bank was fined £290m. The UK House                             of Commons (i.e., Parliamentary) Treasury Select Committee, responsible for                             examining and making statutory/legal recommendations on financial issues                             relating to state monetary affairs, called Bob Diamond, the recently departed                             CEO of Barclays Bank, to appear before the committee in 2012 to answer                             questions about the scandal. Committee member Labour MP John Mann asked Bob                             Diamond if he could state the three founding principles of Barclays Bank.                             Diamond didn't know them. Assuming the stated principles are indeed the                             founding ethos of Barclays Bank (established by quaker John Freame and Thomas                             Gould, in London, 1690) then obviously Diamond should have known them.                             Whatever, John Mann's question very incisively exposed not only Bob Diamond's                             ignorance (Diamond was able to make no informed answer at all about the bank's                             founding principles), but also the contrast between corporate pragmatism/fraud,                             versus the integrity and prudence represented by the three guiding principles                             of Honesty, Integrity and Plain-dealing. Incidentally Diamond                             resigned from his post as CEO the day before appearing in front of the                             committee. He had earned personally in the region of £120m in his years                             as Barclays' most successful investment banker, and while he was responsible                             for massive growth in the bank's market position and profits, he also presided                             over the scandal as chief of Barclays' investment banking activities, and so                             was either ignorant of the fraud (according to his evidence) and therefore                             arguably to a degree was not a fully competent CEO, or he knew about the fraud                             and effectively sanctioned it, (in which case his evidence was untrue). If                             anyone can refer me to official confirmation that these principles - Honesty, Integrity, and Plain-dealing - were indeed Barclays                             Bank's early corporate motto please get in touch .                             Completely unconnected and rather less excitingly, HIP is a familiar acronym in                             the UK having represented controversially the Home Information Pack legislative requirements of the early 2000s, which placed responsibility on                             house-sellers to provide prospective buyers with certain information about the                             property, at some cost and administrative nuisance to the seller, which many                             argued to be unnecessarily bureaucratic and expensive. HIPs lasted a few short                             years before the legislation was put into reverse and information requirements                             were greatly reduced. Separately in marketing terminology, and more widely                             relevant, HIP stands for High Involvement Product. This is a term for a                             product which requires a high amount of thought by the customer before                             purchase, such as cars, holidays, pension plans, houses, etc. By definition the                             selling approach must be different for HIPs compared to sales situations                             requiring less thought, FMCGs (Fast Moving Consumer Goods) and LIPs (Low                             Involvement Products) for example.
HIV
Hair Is Vanishing. Amusing alternative interpretation (thanks                             EP) contrasting with the seriousness of the more usual meaning of Human                             Immunodeficiency Virus.
HIVI
Husband Is Village Idiot. (ODSA) Classic nurses' shorthand.
 
HOLLAND
Hope Our Love Lasts And Never Dies. Acronym from the                             envelopes of wartime home-bound love letters (see also CHIP, ITALY, SWALK,                             EGYPT and NORWICH). Text messaging ain't got nothing on it...
HOPEFUL
Hard-up Old Person Expecting Full Useful Life. Another                             poignant demographics acronym. Could be a great name for the next governement                             initiative on pensions...
HR
Human Remains. Cynical interpretation of the more                             conventional Human Resources meaning (thanks Gwen). Additionally,                             alternatively, and ironically, also: Hardly Relevant (thanks Nikki).
HTH
Hope This Helps. Email abbreviation when replying to                             requests. Potentially counter-productive if the recipient doesn't understand what it means...
HTTP
Hyper-Text Transfer Protocol. Destined to become one of those                             abbreviations which nobody knows the origin of in thirty years time, and here                             mainly lest we forget.
HTML
How To Make Love. Amusing alternative interpretation of the                             more conventional HyperText Markup Language meaning of HTML, normally                             representing the code which underpins the workings of much of what we see on                             the internet. Alternative created and contributed by writer by S McCarthy,                             thanks.
HUHA
Head Up His/Her Arse/Ass. Not a good place for one's head to                             be and arguably a lot worse than up in the clouds. (Ack P Farrant)
IAMS
It's About Me Stupid. Elegant and wonderful acronym for many                             and various situations, especially explaining and understanding human                             relationships and communications. A great reference point for explaining the                             'emotional contract' and the false notion that people will do what you say just                             because you tell them so. See also WIIFM, and the sections on empathy and Transactional                             Analysis .
IANAD/IANAL
I Am Not A Doctor/I Am Not A Lawyer. Informal disclaimer,                             usually followed by "but...", and then the advice, used in electroning postings                             of unqualified opinions, suggestions or advice relating to medical/legal                             matters. (Thanks D Rudloff)
IBM
I Blame Microsoft. A 'backronym' with different applications,                             aside from having a dig at MS, for example to highlight where a person finds it                             difficult to accept responsibility for their own actions, or more usually,                             inactivity. (Ack to Dr Neale Roney.) IBM is also interpreted (ack P&J) as I've Been Married, in dating circles, and in some jobs, for example the                             police service, which for some competes strongly with marital responsibilities.                             And with no slight intended to the IBM corporation (ack S Adam), since this can                             apply anywhere, Idiots Become Managers. More IBM acronyms (in fact                             backronyms or 'corporanyms') for IBM as used for the IBM corporation are listed                             in the corporate backronyms list.
ICABU
In Case of A Balls Up. A wonderfully funny, memorable, and                             very meaningful acronym for project management and all kinds of planning or                             forward-thinking activities. ICABU serves as a reminder and teaching aid for                             putting something in place - typically a cost provision (technically you might                             call it 'contingency planning') - for the possibility that something could go                             wrong, or an unexpected obstacle/implication/cost may arise, during project                             implementation. It is always helpful to remember and allow for the ICABU                             factor. Origins uncertain. No doubt someone will tell me if they know. (Thanks                             J Hudson)
ICE
In Case of Emergency. While the acronym has had this meaning                             for a while, in recent times the termonology has assumed additional                             significance: apparently modern practice is increasingly to identify a special                             'ICE number' within one's mobile telephone 'phone book' listing, so that in                             case of suffering a debilitating accident or emergency, a person assisting                             anyone in their moment of need is able immediately to contact the nominated                             friend, spouse, parent, etc. (Ack D Kugler)
ID10T
Idiot. Not an acronym obviously but worthy of inclusion. The                             'ID Ten T' code has been used by technical service people for years, and                             probably explains very well a large proportion of user-reported faults and                             queries. See also UBAD, ID10T, BDU, PEBCAK and PICNIC.
IDEA
Identify, Design, Execute, Augment. Process for changing                             anything. Identify the issues, priorities, constraints, resources; Design the                             plan; Execute the plan; Augment, refine, adjust and improve activies to                             consolidate change. (Ack. Dean Whitehead.)
IDEAL
Identify, Define, Explore, Action, Lookback. Process for                             solving problems: Identify the problem, Define it, Explore possible solutions                             and effects, Action the chosen solution, and Look back at the SNAFU you've                             brought about (not really - Look back at a 100% successful outcome and a job                             well done). (Ack. Don Clark)
IIP
Investors In People. The UK system of human resources quality                             and development accreditation system. Or more amusingly, Intellectually                             Impaired Person (or Passenger or Protester) - being the                             unofficial term allegedly used by some London Transport staff to describe a                             person aggressively questioning staff and appearing not to understand the                             information or explanations provided. (Ack AB) See also PITSA.
IKEA
Ingvar Kamprad, Elmtaryd, Agunnaryd/I Know Everything                             Already. Ingvar Kamprad, from a place called Elmtaryd, in Agunnaryd,                             Sweden, founded the IKEA retail chain. Not a lot of people know that. This has                             become an inspiration for lots of intriguing quiz                             questions . (Thanks SJ for the spelling correction). Unrelated to the IKEA                             retail chain, the now highly familiar IKEA 'word' is also interpreted amusingly                             as a backronym to mean I Know Everything                             Already, which offers wide and varied application to situations and people                             involving arrogance, decision-making, complacence, lack of consultation,                             political leadership, etc.
IKWIAD
I Know What I Am Doing. Mantra for self-determination and                             reinforcing self-confidence. The expression logically extends to DIKWIAD? (Do I Know What I Am Doing?) for when a                             check of competence and preparation is helpful before embarking on new                             initiatives and challenges, etc. (Thanks B Heyn)
IKIWISI
I'll Know It When I See It. Ironic and actually very                             prevalent alternative approach to WYSIWYG. The IKIWISI principle is not a great                             help when working with specialists who require a decent brief. People                             exhibiting IKIWISI behaviour generally need help to try thinking a little about                             aims and outcomes. See also IKWIWWISI below.
IKWIWWISI
I'll Know What I Want When I See It. Variation on the above                             theme. The procrastinator's motto. Instead: sit down, think, write down some                             ideas or aims, and then you will get good results.
IMCIS
Identify, Manage, Change, Improve, Show. The basis of the                             Japanese approach to TQM, as in: Identify customer-supplier                             relationships, Manage processes, Change culture, Improve communications, Show                             commitment. (Acknowledgments to John Oakland.)
IMHO
In My Humble Opinion. We don't list many acronyms and                             abbreviations used in web-messaging, emails and texting, etc, because there are                             millions of them and other sites do it better; however the IMHO acronym has a                             certain resonance for life and communications generally, and it's been around                             for ages, so it is worthy of inclusion here. (Thanks DH)
INSET
In-Service Education and Training. On-the-job training in                             other words, just sounds a bit more technical.
IOWA
Idiots Out Walking About (or Wandering Around). For all those                             executives who haven't got a clue what's really going on in their companies,                             and think that a quick stroll among the workers will boost morale and uncover                             some great idea how to save or make the next million. (Ack Tom Calvert)
IP
Intellectual Property. A common term meaning copyrighted or                             trademarked or otherwise protected work, owned by the originator unless sold or                             transferred. Most international law recognises the originator's rights in any                             type of original work or idea - in whatever media. If you doodle on a napkin or                             take a photo or write a poem this is all automatically your intellectual                             property. If you write a book or a play or a training programme or you design a                             better mousetrap, this would all automatically be your intellectual property                             (unless of course it replicates intellectual property already belonging to                             someone else). IP is a widely used abbreviation referring to any work of                             original creation. It's a complex area however. Many employers quite reasonably                             insist that any IP developed by their employees relating to their paid                             employment automatically belongs to the employer (since the employer has paid                             for it). Some employers seek to extend this to employees' ideas and creations                             that are not related to the work, which is less reasonable. For more detail                             relating to IP issues attached to important or potentially significant personal                             or organisational liabilities, licensing, etc., it's best to seek qualified                             advice.
IPATTAP
Interrupt, Patronise, Argue, Threaten, Terminate, Apply                             Penalties. A less than ideal customer service process for dealing with                             complaints and dissatisfied customers - widely exhibited, especially by large                             organizations in the finance, insurance and telecoms sectors. The acronym is useful to remind all exponents of poor customer service how not to do it...
IPDE
Identify, Predict, Decide, Execute. Long-established mnemonic                             (thanks P Goldstein, recalling this from 1970s USA) for risk analysis and                             responsive action. The acronym (strictly it's an abbreviation) is widely used                             in vehicle driving training and offers a very specific process-based method for                             all sorts of situations where chaotic circumstances can produce risks requiring                             reactive decisions and actions: Identify and analyze a situation; predict                             possibilities and risks arising; decide appropriate response or action; then                             execute or apply action. I welcome suggestions as to the origins of the IPDE                             framework.
IPO
Initial Public Offering. A stock exchange term and acronym                             widely preferred (instead of the full term) by media and corporate folk,                             referring to the first ('Initial') sale ('Offering') of privately owned equity                             (stock or shares) in a company, though the issue of shares to the public and                             other investing institutions ('Public'). While an IPO is technically the first                             sale of stock by a private company to the general public, in some cases the                             sale is effectively exclusively to investing institutions, such as pension                             funds and banks. Sometimes it's good that the general public are denied the                             opportunity to acquire lots of shares in IPOs because the risks are big and                             often the launch turns out to be a big loss for investors. While IPOs are most                             commonly small young companies raising capital to finance growth, IPOs can also                             be very big indeed, such as recently established technology corporations like                             Google and Facebook. IPOs are risky for investors as it is especially difficult                             to predict the value of the stock or shares in a relatively unknown company                             when they open for trading and in the short-term thereafter. An IPO equates to                             the expressions 'going public' or 'taking a company public'. It is not unusual                             for IPOs to fail to attract buyers for all the stock available, in which case                             the bank underwriting the offering is left with the stock. Setting the IPO                             share price is a tricky challenge for the company offering itself for sale, as                             is the assessment of the attraction of the investment by investors, since both                             are hugely influenced by demand, in turn driven by PR hype and often highly                             debatable interpretations of market conditions and future performance of                             company.
IPTV
Internet Protocol TeleVision (Internet Protocol TV). I                             wonder if an acronym ever had a more serious fundamental meaning than this one?                             Full convergence between computers and TV is fast approaching, and its effects                             will be wide and deep. Nick Negroponte saw something like this coming nearly                             twenty years ago (they called it the 'Negroponti Switch'). Now it's almost upon                             us, bigger and scarier than he ever imagined. Just as VOIP (Voice Over Internet                             Protocol) is revolutionizing the phone and mobile communications markets, so TV                             over the web will do the same for TV, and the incredible implications of                             combining unlimited on-demand content, a high-speed virtually free internet,                             and mobile communications. Look out especially for Joost, being pioneered by                             Zennstrom and Friis, who have already succeeded with two sector-rattling                             developments - Kazaa and Skype - now safely launched and divested. Other modern                             age entrepreneurs are now emerging alongside Joost to challenge the traditional                             'old economy' media giants, who will all have their work cut out to keep pace                             with their quicker more efficient rivals in the battle for a share in this                             unimaginably dynamic market. If you want to try imagining the possibilities,                             consider combining all types of TV and video content, computer games, virtual                             reality, web 2.0 interactive internet technology (and the artificial                             intelligence of web 3.0 when it comes), and wireless anytime-anywhere                             high-speed high-capacity mobile connectivity. And that's just for                             starters...
IRBIA
I'd Rather Be In Ambridge. You've seen people with that                             'IRBIA' look on their face, when the real world is getting to be too much. When                             they'd rather be somewhere else, far away from the pressures of a particularly                             tedious meeting or training course. (Ambridge is the fictional and normally                             idyllic home to Radio                             4's 'The Archers' .)
ISDN
Innovations Subscribers Don't Need. Amusing alternative                             interpretation of the abbreviation's original meaning: Integrated Services                             Digital Network, in other words a digital telephone line. Another                             alternative meaning: I Still Don't Know. (Ack Q Armitage) And another                             amusing meaning of ISDN: It Still Does Nothing. (Ack D McNally)
ISO
International Standards Organization. The international                             standards-setting organization chartered by the United Nations, more properly                             called the International Organization for Standardization, whose                             'initials' prefix various published standards, typically four digit numbers,                             for example ISO9000, the quality standard. The words 'International Standards                             Organization' are, fascinatingly, a retrospectively applied meaning - ISO was                             not originally an acronym. The word derives from the Greek 'isos', meaning                             equal (as in 'isobar' - meaning a line on a weather map denoting the same                             atmospheric pressure, 'isometric' - meaning equal measure, and 'isosceles' as                             in an 'isosceles triangle', which you will remember from your school-days is a                             triangle with two equal sides).
ITALY
I Trust And Love You. Wartime back-of-envelope lovers code.                             (See also NORWICH, SWALK, and HOLLAND)
JAFO
Just Another Flipping Observer. Polite version. A prominent                             acronym from the days leading up to 'Y2K' (computing and business term for the                             year 2000) when everywhere large tense business meetings grappled with measures                             to avert catastrophic computer problems associated with the date change. Anyone                             unable to contribute to the meeting typically introduced themselves as 'Just                             here as an observer..', and were known as a JAFO. The acronym is a fitting term                             for non-participants, hangers-on, etc., where others are taking responsibility.                             (Ack T Smith) The term however pre-dates Y2K by some years; for example, it                             appears in the 1983 film 'Blue Thunder', in which the character Richard 'JAFO'                             Lymngood (actor Daniel Stern) is presented with a hat bearing the acronym then                             spends most of the film trying to find out what it means. That the subject                             matter of the film is US military and flying perhaps provides indication as to                             the true origins of the term. (Ack Keith Young)
JAPAN
Jump And Pump All Night. Australian origins apparently.                             Various applications. Presumably something to do with bicycles and                             trampolining. (Ack R Knight)
 
JFDI
Just Flipping Do It. The polite version. Pronounced 'Jifdi',                             this acronym is the antidote to procrastination, and a reminder that simply                             getting on with it is often the best answer to most moments of self-doubt or                             hesitation. JFDI is a must for management training, time management and a maxim                             for self-reliance and empowerment. The Latin equivalent is 'mox nox in rem' ('soon                             night, so to work')
JICNARS
Joint Industry Committee for National Readership Surveys. The                             body which established and runs the ABC social grades classification system,                             much used by media and marketing folk. See the demographics section.
JIT
Just In Time. JIT normally describes operational or                             production methods based on minimizing stock levels, the aim of which is to                             reduce capital employed in stock, which also has knock-on benefits to reducing                             storage space, decreasing dependence on logistics, easier supply chain                             management, and better overall quality. That's the theory anyway. JIT is a lot                             trickier than it sounds. Certain industries and technologies are far more                             amenable than others to Just In Time management, and the concept is typically                             most useful when viewed as a benefit or flexibility arising from strategic                             improvement within a business operation, than a cause of improvement itself,                             which it is not. Introducing Just In Time methods without creating the required                             efficiencies and reliabilities beforehand is not a viable change. There is no                             room for errors when employing Just In Time management methods, so where an                             operation is incapable of accommodating JIT methods the description 'disaster                             waiting to happen' is more apt. Be mindful of this risk whenever you see such                             examples or suggestions. JIT management requires total commitment to quality                             and efficiency or the supply chain breaks down and operations come to a halt.                             The term and methodology were developed within the total quality management field by the Japanese as                             a next step on from 'materials requirements planning' (MRP). The Japanese                             original terminology is 'kanban', and it is a vital part of the 'lean                             production' process methodology. The aim of kanban is actually zero inventory.                             JIT was and is used successfully by highly efficient manufacturing                             corporations, notably the Japanese, and has been enabled by computerization                             especially to analyse and manage timings rather than stock levels. Noted                             authors to have covered the subject include Edwards Deming, Taiichi Ohno, and                             Yasuhiro Monden. More generally, similar Just In Time principles can be applied to other functions besides manufacturing and stock and materials management;                             really any activity where cost and resource can be saved by minimizing leeway                             and contingencies relating to supply deadlines. The term arises in formal and                             cynical variations by adding suffixes with the initial letters of the                             particular Just In Time (or dangerously starved) activity or resource, for                             example: JITS = Just In Time Stock, JITT = Just In Time Training, JITIA = Just                             In Time International Aid, etc. Humorous antonyms include JTL = Just Too Late,                             and the frustratingly JTFL = Just Too Flipping Late.
JOB
Just Over Broke. Acronym for economic and financial                             life-change. A useful spur if you are contemplating self-employment, starting                             your own business, buying a franchise, becoming a consultant, plumber, etc.                             (Ack P Gosling)
KAS
Knowledge, Attitude, Skills. The constituents required for                             people to succeed at what they do, individually and collectively. Knowledge and                             Skills can largely be trained; Attitude can't - it's a factor of personality,                             emotion, personal circumstances, and the organizational environment -                             accountants and bosses can't measure it, so it's often overlooked, and then the                             boss and the accountant wonder why people aren't performing. (Ack. Don Clark)                             See also KASH below.
KASH
Knowledge, Attitude, Skills, Habits. Another useful acronym                             for trainers to explain different aspects of learning. Generally skills and                             knowledge are easier to develop and change than attitude and habits. (Ack SD)                             If you know the origins of the KASH acronym please contact us .
KEV
Key Ethical Value. More typically shown in plural as KEVs,                             referring to the Key Ethical Values of an organization or proposition.
KEY
Keep Extending Yourself. Coaching and motivational maxim. A                             reminder of the importance of striving to improve yourself, and always to be                             seeking new challenges.
KIPPERS
Kids In Parents' Pockets Eroding Retirement Savings. See also                             SKI-ing for the antidote. (Ack. D Rowland)
 
KISS
Keep It Simple Stupid. One of the all time great acronyms,                             and so true. A motto and reminder that simplicity works - in communications,                             design, philosophy, relationships, decision-making, meetings, management and                             life generally. Apply and promote KISS to any situation to deter unnecessary                             complication, excuses, bureaucracy, red-tape, and to encourage practical                             positive outcomes, no-nonsense communications, integrity, truth, beauty, and                             honesty. (See also 'JFDI' ). Variations on the KISS                             theme include Keep It Short and Sweet, Keep It Simple Sunshine, Keep It Simple and Straightforward, Keep It Simple Sister, Keep It Simple Sweetheart, etc. For a free KISS colour poster see the free businessballs                             posters page.
KITA
Kick In The Ass/Arse. Motivation at its most basic. In fact                             not motivation at all. (See also AKUTA). Managers persisting with this idiocy                             will find that after a KITA session the recipient will be motivated to move                             only the small distance that Newton's Laws of Motion provide for them to do so,                             and then will do one or more probably a number of certain things:
sprawl to the floor in a useless heap (metaphorically) and be                                 less committed and productive than they were pre-KITA, and/or
turn around and return their manager's KITA with a PITG (Punch In                                 The Gob) and/or
say nothing, go home and begin preparations to STEFABOD (Sue The                                 Employer For A Barnful Of Damages).
KLOE
Key Lines Of Enquiry. System much used now by the UK Audit                             Commission (and no doubt by other highly centralised and high-control culture                             organizations) to set down extremely specific criteria for inspectors assessing                             and reporting on local government services. So much for empowerment... (Ack                             MC)
KOALA
Kit Off And Legs Akimbo. Various applications, most obviously                             referring to sexual readiness. Incidentally the word akimbo normally refers to                             arms not legs - hands on hips, with arms bent at the elbow. (Thanks S Smith,                             possible/probable originator, c.2002) Early recollections of this acronyms                             welcome. Please send them.
KPI/KSI
Key Performance Indicator/Key Success Indictor. A measure,                             target or standard, used to manage and gauge the performance of an activity,                             process or project. Establishing a series of KPI's or KSI's is a very useful                             way to manage, monitor and assess the effectiveness of any organizational                             activity or process (Thanks for reminder Nick Whiteley). KSI (= Key                             Success Indicator) is a less common version of this acronym.
KYHAFTY
Keep Your Hands And Feet To Yourselves. For the youngest of                             audiences, or unruly adult ones. Originally a teachers' acronym but much too                             good to restrict to school assemblies. (Acknowledgments to Anstey Latimer                             School, Leicester, England.)
LADDER
Longitudinal And Directional Distance Extremity Reacher. Perhaps one of the silliest and most wonderful reverse acronyms ever to have                             been devised. (Ack M Rand)
LADIES
Life After Divorce Is Eventually Saner. Motto for                             independence and self-determination, from the so-named activist group.
LAMP
Lower Academically-Minded Person. Euphemistic reference to an                             idiot, or someone who's behaviour resembles one. (Ack P Garbutt) LAMP® also refers to the Miller Heiman organisation's Large Account Management Process, which is an altogether more serious                             use of the abbreviation (see the sales training                             section ).
LANO
Lights Are Not On. For people who aren't concentrating or                             simple unable to do so. See MEGO, PEARL and RHINO. The shorthand coded version                             of 'The wheel is turning but the hamster is dead'. (Ack L Speden) Alterntive                             acronym is: LONI = Lights On, Nobody In. (Ack MG)
LASER
Light Amplification by the Stimulated Emission of Radiation. The word laser was originally a scientific acronym, devised in the 1960s. The                             originators wisely based the abbreviation on the key words only, ignoring the                             connecting words. LABTSEOR is rather less memorable. (Thanks KBS)
LAST
Listen, Advise, Solve, Thank. A good aid for training                             customer service and complaints handling. (Ack Tumby). Certain organizations                             continue to pursue less positive methods, notably the IFO technique (Ignore and                             Fob-Off) or the IPATTAP model (Interrupt, Patronise, Argue, Threaten,                             Terminate, Apply Penalties).
LBIAC
Left Brains In Airport Carpark. As used by airport and                             airline ground handling staff the world over, and also very good for                             inattentive delegates who've had to make an expensive air trip just to fall                             asleep on your training course. (Ack. David Rawsthorn)
LDL
Low Decision Latitude. LDL is an occupational health term,                             increasingly finding its way into mainstream management discussion. Low                             Decision Latitude among staff fundamentally undermines performance and welfare                             at work. Latitude here means scope or flexibility. Low Decision Latitude refers                             to lack or loss of personal control and choice in the way a job is done. Low Decision Latitude contributes significantly towards workplace stress , and potentially other                             health problems such as heart disease. Despite this, many organizations persist                             with management and operational strategies which greatly restrict individual                             freedoms as to how tasks are done (called Job Decision Latitude), so that                             workers experience LDL and consequent productivity problems - the opposite of                             what the management pressure sought to accomplish. Restriction of choice and                             control is in itself stressful; also stressful is the restriction or imposition                             of working/thinking style . LDL                             causes both. Low Job Decision Latitude is a longer version of the term. (Thanks                             P McAndrew)
LEAR
Listen, Empathise, Ask, Resolve. A fine mnemonic for customer                             service and other problem-solving communications, which appears in John                             Stanley's highly regarded book Just About Everything a Retail Manager Needs to                             Know (thanks Stephen Carr, Dec 2007). John Stanley is a retail expert, writer                             and speaker. Here is more detail of the model represented by the LEAR acronym:
Listen - You must show serious and honest concern for the                                 customer seriousl, which you will begin to do by listening. By listening                                 actively you also take the first step towards diffusing customer upset or anger.
Empathise - Put yourself in the customer's shoes and see                                 the situation from their perspective. Showing genuine concern and understanding                                 is vital for empathy. Understanding is not necessarily the same as agreeing,                                 which can be important where the issue needs investigating before finally                                 resolving.
Ask - Ask Questions: ask open questions (what, how, etc)                                 to diagnose the situation or request, and never attempt to interrupt, or                                 justify your point or argue. The customer is not interested in your point of                                 view - the other person wants you to understand them, not present a defence or                                 a counter-argument.
Resolve - Resolve the problem to the customer's                                 satisfaction as quickly as possible. Consider the value of the customer and not                                 the cost of resolving this particular issue.
(Thanks Stephen Carr, and acknowledgements to John Stanley, who                             confirmed to me that to the best of his recollection he devised the acronym in                             the 1970s. Here is John                             Stanley's website , which will be useful especially if you are interested in                             the retail industry.)
LED/OLED
Light Emitting Diode/Organic Light Emitting Diode - The term LED has become a general term for a light of various sorts which employs LED technology. OLED technology began to feature in television screens in the 2010s.
LEDO
Listen, Empathise, De-personalise, Offer. Mainly for customer                             service, and also good for any conciliation or conflict resolution: listen to                             the complaint, empathise with the customer, de-personalise the situation (both                             of you stand back and look at it objectively), and then offer a solution.                             Brilliant and simple. (Ack. Matt Booth)
LIFER
Lazy Ignorant Fool Expecting Retirement. One of the many                             amusing acronyms with miltary origins, with wider potential applications. The                             armed forces offer relatively short timescales by which staff can retire on a                             full pension, hence the expression to describe people who fail to make the most                             of their opportunities and efforts. The term has also been spotted in the                             education sector. (Ack DR)
LIP
Low Involvement Product. Marketingspeak for a product which                             doesn't require much thought before purchase. Question: Are all FMCGs LIPs as                             well?
LITE
Load, Individual, Task/Travel, Environment. Health and                             Safety manual handling checklist mnemonic. Consider the item characteristics                             (shape, weight, ease of handling, etc); the person (age, gender, ability,                             training, etc); the procedure and distance (awkwardness, duration, frequency,                             etc); and the surrounding situation (conditions, temperature, logistics,                             pressure, etc). (Thanks C Davis)
LOBNAH
Lights On But Nobody's At Home. Great extension of LANO, LONI                             or as an alternative to PEARL. Also for people who say that they've been                             listening when really we know they haven't.
LOL
Lots of Love. (Or) Laughing Out Loud. Ubiquitous                             acronym found in email, chatroom and texting communications. Very probably the                             most common acronym in use today.
LOFT
Lack Of Flipping Talent. Sardonic put-down or comment upon a                             daft action of a colleague found in banter across City trading floors and sales                             offices where such aggressive and competitive behaviours are part of the scene.                             (Ack R Werrett)
LOMBARD
Loads Of Money But A Real Dickhead. As if any confirmation                             were needed; inheritence or accumulation of wealth doesn't necessarily correlate with decency and integrity. A good acronym for Maslow and Herzberg emphasis.                             (Thanks DM for reminder) Lombard in fact is a very old word for a pawn broker,                             derived from Lombardy in Italy where the system first flourished due to                             religious constraints surrounding money-lending.
LONI
Lights On, Nobody In. Alternative acronym to LANO from the                             'wheel is turning but the hamster is dead' category. (Ack MG)
LUCID
Leave Until Christmas Is Done. Yuletide acronym, when                             procrastinators everywhere are joined by most of the western world in deferring                             anything other than a life-threatening emergency until the Christmas blow-out                             is properly organized and maximum enjoyment extracted.
MAAH
Mad As A Hatter. (ODSA) This healthcare acronym has a certain                             onomatopoeic quality... (Ack E Thomas)
MAEW
Moves All Extremities Well. (ODSA) Nurses and doctors acronym                             used on patient notes. The term is perfectly transferable to over-active team                             members, and delegates at meetings or training courses. See also KYHAFTY.
MACINTOSH
Most Applications Crash. If Not, The Operating System Hangs. Largely unfair but very clever reverse acronym.
MAMIL
Middle-Aged Man In Lycra/Leather. This wonderful relatively                             recent acronym (post 2000 almost certainly) apparently refers primarily to the                             increasing behaviour of certain men of 45-60ish years cycling - for pleasure or                             commuting purposes - in busy city streets, notably London, but elsewhere for                             sure too. Being of a certain aspirational disposition and reasonably well-off                             income bracket, no expense is spared in selecting an expensive bike and usually                             not very attractive stretch-fabric clothing. The meaning extends to describe a                             slight variation of 'mid-life crisis' males pursuing or rekindling                             teenage/twenty-something dreams of motorbiking, since discovering more spare                             time and disposable income now the kids are grown, and the mortage paid off.
MBA
Master of Business Administration. Not everyone knows what                             this actually stands for, and when you think about it, 'Master of Business                             Administration' arguably gives a somewhat lop-sided impression of what modern                             business management is all about. Too late to change it now though..                             Alternatively and more mischievously (thanks P Eastham) MBA is interpreted by                             some to mean Master of Bugger All.
MBO (or MBO's)
Management By Objectives. The classic management, delegation                             and development technique, but which people's activities and aims - and the                             coaching support given - can be geared to organizational targets and                             priorities. See also SMART and SMARTER, and the techniques for effective delegation . (Thanks for reminder SD)
MBWA
Management By Walking Around/Wandering About. (Or variations                             of these words.) Depending on who is doing the walking about and whether you                             are in the vicinity this could be either a good thing or a bad thing. If you                             are a manager and like to manage by walking about make sure you do it with                             humility and genuine interest. Better still why not actually do the job on the                             factory floor for a week and you'll really find out what's going on. (Thanks                             Tom Calvert for pointing out this omission.) See also IOWA. The term MBWA is                             generally acknowledged to have been coined by Tom Peters (In Search Of                             Excellence, 1982), but the MBWA style, and its extended variant MBWAL, were                             part of a new management ideology which seems to have been first pioneered by a                             few bright American companies as far back as the 1940s (eg Varian Associates,                             the healthcare company), along with Management By Objectives and Open Door                             Management. The style was later adopted and further evangelised from the late                             1950s onwards by David Packard and William Hewlett, the founders of Hewlett Packard (who seem to have learned it from working at some stage with Edward                             Ginzton of Varian). This modern approach is also known as Silicon Valley                             Management - SVM - because that's the location of the first companies who used                             it, and where its effectiveness was first proven. The SVM style, and its                             contemporary variations, now a mainstay of recently successful big                             organizations like Cisco and Sun, is also indirectly referred to as the 'HP                             Way'.
MBWAL/MBWAAL
Management By Walking Around and Listening/Management By                             Wandering About And Listening. (And other variations using these                             words.) Extension of the MBWA management technique. In many cases -                             notably managers and executives who merely walk about, smile or frown at staff,                             and remain aloof and ignorant of front-line and shop-floor issues - this is the                             crucial extension required for the MBWA method to have a chance to be                             effective.
MECE
Mutually Exclusive, Comprehensively Exhaustive. The MECE                             acronym, pronounced 'mee-see', is frequently used in a consulting environment.                             The term 'Mutually Exclusive, Comprehensively Exhaustive' describes a list of                             options in which all possibilities are covered, and where options can all be                             identified clearly and separately. The expression is potentially applicable                             widely beyond consulting, to any situation in which the identification of the                             full range of distinctively different methods, options, answers, etc., is                             useful or necessary. MECE very succinctly and elegantly signifies objectivity,                             transparency and quality of data, and so fits neatly with modern ideas of                             coaching and facilitation, as well as professional and clinical consulting.                             Interestingly and not surprisingly, politicians, and certain types of business                             folk, advertisers, and marketeers, rarely offer MECE lists of options because                             they prefer to point their audience in a particular direction (recommending or                             promoting, rather than enabling) and therefore present biased and narrow                             options, commonly supported by weak or inaccurate data. (Thanks D Rudloff)
MEGO
My Eyes Glazed Over. Watch for this sign from your audience                             at your next presentation. If spotted you could need more acronyms.... See                             PEARL and LANO also.
MELVIN
Mediocrity, Ego, Limits, Vanity, Incompetence, Name-calling. Non-productive aspects of workplace behaviour and attitude. Various MELVIN                             terms (eg 'NO MELVIN', 'Don't be a MELVIN', 'No MELVIN's here', etc) help                             remind people of the behaviours to avoid, especially in blame cultures or                             negative-thinking environments. (Ack P Lubbers) Sits well alongside other                             motivational and positive attitude maxims, many examples on the quotes and leadership sections, and links well with the philosophies of Covey's seven habits , Carter-Scott's rules of life and Ruiz's Four Agreements .
 
MILE
Maximum Impact, Little Effort. Acronym to express the                             principle of optimising productivity, and the value of identifying 'high-yield'                             areas on which to apply 'high-yield' methods and techniques. Especially helpful                             in sales and marketing training. See also PAY and MOFMOF . See Pareto Principle (The 80:20                             Rule) . (Ack PL)
MILF
Mom I'd Like to Fondle. Polite(-ish) version. Thank you to                             the several million people who have pointed out this omission. Outrageous of                             course. Mom I'd Like to Feel offers some variety aside from the obvious                             and better known version. These are not references to incest. MILF came to                             prominence in the 1999 teen-movie American Pie, hence US spelling Mom instead                             of Mum. Variations include MILT (Mom In Leather Trousers), MILE (Mom I'd Like to Enjoy), SMILE (Soccer Mom I'd                             Like to Enjoy), SMILT (Soccer Mom In Leather Trousers) and DILF (work it out). Please don't send any more. Oh alright then..                             (Acknowledgements are too numerous to mention. You know who you are..)
MINT
Mexico, Indonesia, Nigeria, Turkey. An economic grouping of emerging economic powers (as at the 2010s), suggested  to be the next tier below  the BRIC nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China). The MINT countries theory  was publicized heavily in early  2014 by Jim O'Neill, Goldman Sach's ex-MD/chief-economist, who is considered to have  originated the BRIC acronym/grouping, and by the power of PR  inferred a claim   to having originated the MINT concept too. There  seems however quite strong evidence that the Fidelity Investments corporation more quietly originated the MINT acronym/grouping in early 2011.
MIP
Mobility Impaired Person. Semi-official acronym used by                             London Transport staff to describe a person who may have difficulty using                             stairs or escalators because of some physiological condition or because they                             are burdened with heavy luggage and/or children. (Ack AB) See also VIP.
MMM or 3M
Measurable, Manageable, Motivational. A great tri-pod or                             three-legged stool analogy - the three essential struts for any contracted                             arrangement or understanding, or delegated task. Remove any of the three legs                             and the structure falls over. See also SMART, and the Smartie Hunt                             team building game . Alternatively: Mrs, Mother, Martyr, with an                             optional fourth M for Mistress if appropriate. (Ack E Gidley)
MOFMOF
Minimum Of Fuss, Maximum Of Flavour. The MOFMOF principle and                             acronym are advocated by, and should be attributed to, Italian chef Antonio                             Carluccio. The MOFMOF maxim is however extremely transferable to work,                             management, business, and to life generally, since it essentially emphasises                             the concept of focusing your effort on what matters most. 'Minimum of Fuss'                             equates to minimum effort, investment, time, resources, etc. 'Maximum of                             Flavour' equates to maximum return, result, reward or effect, etc. This is the                             secret of productivity, sustainable success, and effectiveness in all fields,                             not just cooking, and is one of the most widely neglected simple rules of                             achieving anything. The wonderful Pareto Principle (80/20                             Rule) provides a useful scientific perspective to support the MOFMOF analogy,                             in which '80' equates to the reward and '20' equates to the effort. Thus, the                             aim is not to achieve absolute perfection (which is invariably a subjective                             judgement anyway), but instead to seek the best ratio between input and output                             - best output relative to input. See also the acronyms MILE and PAY , which                             convey similar ideas. The Law of Diminishing Returns is another (converse) way                             of exploring or illustrating this principle, i.e., that beyond an optimum                             'MOFMOF' level and type of effort (investment, resource, time, etc), which is                             commonly the crucial 20% of the maximum possible, the rate of return declines,                             such that, for example, the final 1% of improvement might easily require a                             whopping 75% of the total possible investment. N.B. The MOFMOF principle is not                             to be confused with or regarded as undermining Total Quality methodologies such                             as Six Sigma and TQM (Total Quality Management) which concern                             near-to 100% quality and reliability necessary in critical processes such as                             manufacturing and other activities with important safety and reliability                             implications. TQM and Six Sigma deal with absolute situations, where                             performance and quality is viewed in isolation. MOFMOF and Pareto Analysis are                             useful in relative situations, where performance and quality do not have                             to be perfected in every single absolute respect, rather optimised to produce                             the best result or effect, relative to the investment.
MOOC/MOOCs
Massive Open Online Course/Courses. The term is relatively                             recent, apparently emerging first in 2008. MOOC is commonly pluralized - MOOCs                             - in references to the education market/industry and trends within education.                             According to Wikipedia 2012, "...the term MOOC was coined in 2008 by Dave                             Cormier, Manager of Web Communication and Innovations at the University of                             Prince Edward Island, and Senior Research Fellow Bryan Alexander of the                             National Institute for Technology in Liberal Education in response to an open                             online course designed and led by George Siemens, associate director,                             Technology Enhanced Knowledge Research Institute at Athabasca University and                             Stephen Downes, Senior Researcher at The National Research Council (Canada)..."                             A MOOC (a sort of VLE - Virtual Learning                             Environment ) tends to have certain characteristics, although the concept is                             new and developing and subject to change, not least because some early market                             entrants/pioneers are commercially underpinned. MOOCs typically comprise the                             following elements: 'higher education' or 'further education', i.e., in the                             college/university space, not schooling for children; accessible via the web;                             free to learners (although some MOOCs require fees); available to/used by very                             big numbers of learners (from hundreds up to potentially millions per course);                             the learning is mainly learner-driven/controlled; registrations and                             certifications are (so far) less formal than in conventional further/higher                             education (although we can expect this aspect to become progressively more                             rigorous over time, and certain MOOCs and MOOC providers definitely require                             registration). MOOCs - and the concept itself - potentially represent a very                             big part of future further/higher education, especially for the 'mass market'                             of learners not wanting to be solicitors or doctors, etc., and especially                             considering the arguably declining and pressurized costs/value/quality of                             education in traditional 'bricks and mortar' universities, which, just like                             traditional books, newspapers, recorded music, retailing, etc., is an older,                             more rigid and expensive delivery model when competing with vastly more                             efficient supply/services available digitally via the web. MOOC critics and                             detractors may suggest that learning, like other forms of communication and                             relationships, always works best when conducted 'face-to-face' or at least in                             the physical presence of a teacher, and that the university life experience                             cannot be replaced by online activities. In many situations this is very true,                             except that an entire global generation is now growing up using                             phone/computer/tablet/digital systems for managing virtually every significant                             aspect of their lives. Future generations simply will not need the face-to-face                             contact that past generations did, just as nowadays we don't need horses for                             transport, and young people don't need watches to know the time. People living                             a few generations ago would never have imagined that the telephone (never mind                             email and texting) would completely eclipse the centuries-old tradition of                             writing letters. Picture-house/cinema customers in their millions never                             considered TV or radio as a threat. Even when computers first emerged                             commercially in the 1960s they remained purely a business/commercial tool for                             decades because no-one considered they could have a purpose for ordinary                             people. Now most children (other than those in genuine poverty) possess a                             smartphone which can outperform a business mainframe computer of the 1990s. So                             MOOCs - or something very similar - are very probably the long-term future of                             the main parts of higher/further education. MOOCs could also easily become very                             significant in teaching very young people. Young people find and use things                             that are useful, whether they are supposed to or not. The MOOC model will no                             doubt alter (probably financially, and the technology will become more                             sophisticated), but a big part of the future of higher/further education (for                             teachers and lecturers too) is online for sure. So perhaps we should begin                             thinking about what to do with all these university buildings everywhere.. They                             could help solve the homelessness problem, for example. (It is maybe not wholly                             coincidental that MOOC finds itself very close in dictionary listings and                             glossaries to MOODLE below, which is a closely related and often integrated                             system within the MOOC concept.)
MOODLE
Modular Object-Oriented Dynamic Learning Environment. Moodle                             is a very popular open source VLE (Virtual Learning Environment) internet                             website platform. Platform in this sense means the technology and code on which                             a website operates. Apparently the M first stood for Martin, after Martin                             Dougiamas, the originator of the Moodle system. Also, apparently, the word                             moodle is now a verb too, referring to the process of improvisation and                             discovery leading to enjoyable personal development and learning. Moodle .
MOLAD
Matter Of Life And Death. Acronym for extremes and                             emergencies. (Thanks A Sanderson)
MOP
Measure Of Performance. Critical and essential aspect of all                             sorts of business activities (training, delegation, planning anything, product                             development, etc), often overlooked, which invariably produces unsatisfactory                             and un-measurable results that then surprise the perpetrators. (Ack. Don                             Clark)
MTBCM
Mean Time Between Changes of Mind. Originally an engineering                             abbreviation, which is actually applicable to all project work and delegated                             tasks, from the perspective of the delegate, or person expected to carry out                             the work. When designing, performing or carrying out any activity at the                             request or instruction of another person or group, it is usually best to wait a                             given time (the MTBCM) until the specification has stabilised. A few situations                             and instructions have a MTBCM of zero (for example when you have left your car in the CEO's car-park space); most other tasks (for example creating a new                             corporate brochure or a company-wide training programme) tend to change in                             nature considerably, and many times, before agreement is possible on final                             specification. The MTBCM factor does not allow of course for those projects                             which need to be started before a precise specification can be agreed, which is                             another matter altogether.... (Ack MG)
MUPPET
Most Useless Police Probationer Ever Trained. Not a                             recommended trainer's term, given the acronym's obvious disrespectful tone.                             (Thanks NT). See also Muppet in the word                             origins.
MUPPIE
Middle-aged Urban Professional. Amusing twist on the YUPPIE                             theme. Another demographic social class acronym from the 1980s.
NAAFI
Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes. Again, one of those                             acronyms whose origins are not widely known. The NAAFI traditionally run shops                             and bars within forces establishments. NAAFI has been alternatively and                             mischievously interpreted within parts of HM Forces as Naff All Ambition F'                             all Interest or Not At All Flipping Interested in referring to                             certain NAAFI staff who display a lack of motivation, arguably resulting from                             low incentive, and by comparison with their customers, a relatively safe                             existence. (Thanks R Bolden and S Keightley)
NACTAC
Not A Chance Til After Christmas. Understandable response                             from overworked despatch departments and customer services staff when                             attempting to explain quite reasonably that it's not possible to process urgent                             last-minute orders received at lunchtime on the day before holiday shut-down.                             Variations include NACTAE (Easter), NACTAT (Thanksgiving), etc.
NAD
Nothing Abnormal Discovered/Detected. (ODSA) Nurses and                             healthcare staff acronym to describe test results that are within the normal                             range. However, NAD is alternatively often used when superiors ask for the                             results of tests that no-one thought to order, in which case it means Not                             Actually Done..... This form of the acronym is of course eminently                             transferable to all orgnisational situations where managers fail to notice                             their mistakes, and also fail to notice the generosity of their staff, who bail                             them out and never mention a thing.... (ack E Thomas)
NALGO
Not A Lot Going On. Retrospectively applied meaning to the                             NALGO trade union name. The acronym's original meaning was National Association                             of Local Government Officers, which merged with NUPE and COHSE in 1993 to form UNISON, now the largest UK trade union representing over a million public                             service workers and volunteers. (Ack R Tickner)
NATO
Not A Team Operator. Excellent reverse acronym for                             emphasising verious aspects of team-working, and specifically for glory-hunters                             and autocrats everywhere (Ack. L Speden). Also mischievously interpreted as No Action, Talk Only (thanks G Cook), which given the meaning has far                             wider application than references to NATO, which properly stands for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. NATO comprises 26 countries (as at                             May 2008), all supposedly '...committed to fulfilling the goals of the North                             Atlantic Treaty, signed on 4 April 1949...' If you are interested in what the                             treaty is and what NATO is technically for, here it is below. I love the irony                             where it says "...to settle any international dispute in which they may be                             involved by peaceful means in such a manner that international peace and                             security and justice are not endangered, and to refrain in their international                             relations from the threat or use of force in any manner inconsistent with the                             purposes of the United Nations..." The interpretation Not A Team                             Operator is rather fitting don't you think in terms of certain NATO and UN                             members' behaviours in modern times.
The North Atlantic Treaty - Washington D.C. - 4                                 April 1949
The Parties to this Treaty reaffirm their faith in the                                 purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and their desire                                 to live in peace with all peoples and all governments. They are determined to                                 safeguard the freedom, common heritage and civilisation of their peoples,                                 founded on the principles of democracy, individual liberty and the rule of law.                                 They seek to promote stability and well-being in the North Atlantic area. They                                 are resolved to unite their efforts for collective defence and for the                                 preservation of peace and security. They therefore agree to this North Atlantic                                 Treaty : Article 1 The Parties undertake, as set forth in the Charter of the                                 United Nations, to settle any international dispute in which they may be                                 involved by peaceful means in such a manner that international peace and                                 security and justice are not endangered, and to refrain in their international                                 relations from the threat or use of force in any manner inconsistent with the                                 purposes of the United Nations. Article 2 The Parties will contribute toward                                 the further development of peaceful and friendly international relations by                                 strengthening their free institutions, by bringing about a better understanding                                 of the principles upon which these institutions are founded, and by promoting                                 conditions of stability and well-being. They will seek to eliminate conflict in                                 their international economic policies and will encourage economic collaboration                                 between any or all of them. Article 3 In order more effectively to achieve the                                 objectives of this Treaty, the Parties, separately and jointly, by means of                                 continuous and effective self-help and mutual aid, will maintain and develop                                 their individual and collective capacity to resist armed attack. Article 4 The                                 Parties will consult together whenever, in the opinion of any of them, the                                 territorial integrity, political independence or security of any of the Parties                                 is threatened. Article 5 The Parties agree that an armed attack against one or                                 more of them in Europe or North America shall be considered an attack against                                 them all and consequently they agree that, if such an armed attack occurs, each                                 of them, in exercise of the right of individual or collective self-defence                                 recognised by Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations, will assist the                                 Party or Parties so attacked by taking forthwith, individually and in concert                                 with the other Parties, such action as it deems necessary, including the use of                                 armed force, to restore and maintain the security of the North Atlantic area.                                 Any such armed attack and all measures taken as a result thereof shall                                 immediately be reported to the Security Council. Such measures shall be                                 terminated when the Security Council has taken the measures necessary to                                 restore and maintain international peace and security . Article 6 (1) For the                                 purpose of Article 5, an armed attack on one or more of the Parties is deemed                                 to include an armed attack: on the territory of any of the Parties in Europe or                                 North America, on the Algerian Departments of France (2), on the territory of                                 or on the Islands under the jurisdiction of any of the Parties in the North                                 Atlantic area north of the Tropic of Cancer; on the forces, vessels, or                                 aircraft of any of the Parties, when in or over these territories or any other                                 area in Europe in which occupation forces of any of the Parties were stationed                                 on the date when the Treaty entered into force or the Mediterranean Sea or the                                 North Atlantic area north of the Tropic of Cancer. Article 7 This Treaty does                                 not affect, and shall not be interpreted as affecting in any way the rights and                                 obligations under the Charter of the Parties which are members of the United                                 Nations, or the primary responsibility of the Security Council for the                                 maintenance of international peace and security. Article 8 Each Party declares                                 that none of the international engagements now in force between it and any                                 other of the Parties or any third State is in conflict with the provisions of                                 this Treaty, and undertakes not to enter into any international engagement in                                 conflict with this Treaty. Article 9 The Parties hereby establish a Council, on                                 which each of them shall be represented, to consider matters concerning the                                 implementation of this Treaty. The Council shall be so organised as to be able to meet promptly at any time. The Council shall set up such subsidiary bodies                                 as may be necessary; in particular it shall establish immediately a defence                                 committee which shall recommend measures for the implementation of Articles 3                                 and 5. Article 10 The Parties may, by unanimous agreement, invite any other                                 European State in a position to further the principles of this Treaty and to                                 contribute to the security of the North Atlantic area to accede to this Treaty.                                 Any State so invited may become a Party to the Treaty by depositing its                                 instrument of accession with the Government of the United States of America.                                 The Government of the United States of America will inform each of the Parties                                 of the deposit of each such instrument of accession. Article 11 This Treaty                                 shall be ratified and its provisions carried out by the Parties in accordance                                 with their respective constitutional processes. The instruments of ratification                                 shall be deposited as soon as possible with the Government of the United States                                 of America, which will notify all the other signatories of each deposit. The                                 Treaty shall enter into force between the States which have ratified it as soon                                 as the ratifications of the majority of the signatories, including the                                 ratifications of Belgium, Canada, France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, the                                 United Kingdom and the United States, have been deposited and shall come into                                 effect with respect to other States on the date of the deposit of their                                 ratifications. (3) Article 12 After the Treaty has been in force for ten years,                                 or at any time thereafter, the Parties shall, if any of them so requests,                                 consult together for the purpose of reviewing the Treaty, having regard for the                                 factors then affecting peace and security in the North Atlantic area, including                                 the development of universal as well as regional arrangements under the Charter                                 of the United Nations for the maintenance of international peace and security.                                 Article 13 After the Treaty has been in force for twenty years, any Party may                                 cease to be a Party one year after its notice of denunciation has been given to                                 the Government of the United States of America, which will inform the                                 Governments of the other Parties of the deposit of each notice of denunciation.                                 Article 14 This Treaty, of which the English and French texts are equally                                 authentic, shall be deposited in the archives of the Government of the United                                 States of America. Duly certified copies will be transmitted by that Government                                 to the Governments of other signatories. The definition of the territories to                                 which Article 5 applies was revised by Article 2 of the Protocol to the North                                 Atlantic Treaty on the accession of Greece and Turkey signed on 22 October                                 1951. On January 16, 1963, the North Atlantic Council noted that insofar as the                                 former Algerian Departments of France were concerned, the relevant clauses of                                 this Treaty had become inapplicable as from July 3, 1962. The Treaty came into                                 force on 24 August 1949, after the deposition of the ratifications of all                                 signatory states. (As at May 2008 - see www.nato.int for the whole shooting match, so                                 to speak.)
NB
Nota Bene. Abbreviation of the Latin expression commonly used                             to emphasise the importance of a statement, literally meaning 'observe well'.                             Or less politely and more amusingly, No Bullshit.
NEET
Not in Employment, Education or Training. During 2009 the                             number of UK under-25s in this category rose to above one million people. It                             seems strange that when so much needs doing there are so many people not doing                             anything, and the authorities are incapable of matching one with the other                             (especially given so many managers out of work not doing anything either).
NFL
Normal For Londoners. (ODSA). Flexible and disparaging                             reference to a group of people deemed to be less intelligent or capable than                             those using the term. The third word is widely substituted for other areas,                             towns and cities (for example NFN = Normal for Norfolk, NFS = Normal For Selby,                             and NFF = Normal For Fife). Beware potential discrimination litigation hazards, ie., nationalities are not recommended for third words. The acronym potentially                             extends to corporate, organisational and inter-departmental rivalries, whereby                             third word options include: management, marketing, salesmen, engineers,                             officers, solicitors, accountants, etc. See also SNEFN .
NGS
Needs a Good Shag. Reference, apparently, to a certain type                             of human anxiety having little or no discernible cause. (Thanks RW)
NICAM
Near-Instantaneously Companded Audio Multiplex. I bet you                             never knew that.... A great one for quizzes and smart aleks. 'Companded' is a                             technical compound word made from 'compressed' and 'expanded', like modem and                             codec, also featured on this page. (Ack KBS, and D Harte for further details).                             Alternatively and sardonically employed by some sound reproduction purists to                             mean Not Intended to Carry Any Music (Ack P Kirkpatrick).
NIGY
Now I've Got You. An acronym specifically relating to Transactional Analysis 'games',                             however, the term is widely applicable beyond this, eg, uncovering deceipt or                             duplicity, solving a problem, mastering a new skill, etc.
NIGHTMARE
Negative, Ignorant, Greedy, Hopeless, Thankless, Miserable,                             Angry, Rude, Envious. A bacronym which                             can be used alongside the aspirational DREAM aconym model. The 'NIGHTMARE' characteristics enable discussion of their                             implications as human traits, notably when exhibited by 'role-models' in the                             media and news, etc. This leads to exploring the opposite positive meanings of                             the traits, in terms of a moral/life code and philosophy, and the notion of                             transforming nightmarish tendencies and expectations into aspirational ones,                             given that such attitudes are usually a matter of personal choice. For example:
Negative (instead - be positive - 'always look on the bright                                 side')
Ignorant (instead - seek knowledge and wisdom, and people will                                 seek you)
Greedy (instead - give rather than take - karma - what goes                                 around comes around)
Hopeless (instead have hope - dream - imagine who you can be and                                 how you'd want to be remembered)
Thankless (instead be grateful - appreciate life - we are blessed                                 compared to most of the world)
Miserable (instead be happy - spread smiles - be fun to be with)
Angry (instead, tolerance and patience are very powerful habits                                 in life)
Rude (instead be kind and considerate to others - 'do as you                                 would be done by')
Envious (instead, strive to be someone others look up to - envy                                 nothing and no-one - be your own person)
Note: In this context the word 'hopeless' means lacking hope and                             aspiration, not 'useless'.
(Thanks M Dorgan)
NIMBY
Not In My Back-Yard. Term given to a person or group having                             the audacity to complain about a nuclear waste recycling plant or high security                             prison being built close to their homes. Gave rise to the term 'nimbyism' which                             is generally used by people to criticise others who are behaving in exactly the                             same way as would those making nimbyism accusations, were they to find                             themselves in similar circumstances (this type of person known as a PIGINIMBY -                             Phew I'm Glad It's Not In My Back-Yard). See also BANANA.
NINJA
No Income, No Job or Assets. A relatively recent acronym                             which achieved prominence during the summer 2007 'sub-prime' loans crisis, in                             which banks and financial markets questioned (for a day or two anyway) the                             wisdom of lending too much money to people who would be unlikely to be able to                             make the repayments, especially when interest rates rose. (Ack S Gilbert) The                             term 'sub-prime' is a banking euphemism for dodgy, risky, unethical, idiotic,                             short-sighted, reckless, irresponsible, etc., (delete as applicable). The                             leaders of the big corporate banks don't actually really care if the loans are                             risky and irresponsible because their corporations are expert at laying off                             these debts elsewhere, and ultimately are effectively immune from even the most                             extraordinarily high levels of self-inflicted bad debts, because the losses can                             always be recovered from their millions of other fee-paying customers who are                             far too passive and trusting for their own good. You will gather that I am not                             a great fan of the big banks, and I enjoy very much the following question and                             answer: What do you call twenty 20 bankers at the bottom of the sea?......... A                             good start. I am sure there are one or two ethical corporate bankers out there                             who have experienced feelings of human kindness and consideration at some time                             in their lives - if only towards their wives and children, or maybe as infants                             themselves prior to suffering their own desperate childhood sadness and neglect                             as tends to produce a fixation on greed and exploitating others - but they are a rare breed indeed. "A power has risen up in the government greater than the                             people themselves, consisting of many and various and powerful interests,                             combined into one mass, and held together by the cohesive power of the vast                             surplus in the banks." In essence nothing much has changed - other than the                             situation has gone global - since the American politician John Calhoun made                             this observation in 1936. The banks - and other similarly large and greedy                             industries (oil, construction, defence notably) - hold the well-being of our                             world, and the testicles of our politicians, in their hands. God help us                             all.
NKDA
No Known Drug Allergies. (ODSA). Nursing and healthcre staff                             acronym, alternatively the abbreviation is used to mean Not Known, Didn't                             Ask. (ack ET)
NLP
Neuro-Linguistic Programming. A modern scientific model for                             communication and self-development. See the NLP section for more                             information. 'Neuro' refers to the way your brain and senses, interprets and                             process your experiences. 'Linguistic' refers to the interpretation of                             experience through language. 'Programming' refers to and implies your actual or                             potential ability to affect your mind's control over your behaviour and                             language, and thereby to 'program' yourself.
NOCD
Not Our Class Dear. Upper-class, snobbish, derogatory term                             for something of unacceptable quality. See NTD and PLU.
NONCE
Not On Normal Courtyard Exercise. A slang prison word for a                             sex offender, derived supposedly from the term chalked above a culprit's cell                             door by prison officers, meaning that the prisoner should be kept apart from                             others for his own safety. Alternatively the acronym came after the word, which                             was derived as a shortening of 'a little bit of nonsense' being a prison                             euphemism for the particular offence.
NOONG
Not One Of Nature's Gentlemen. Excellent term for covert                             customer service communications. Sarcastic acronym referring to a rude man, as                             used by various customer-facing roles, eg, nurses, waitresses, call-centre                             staff, etc.
NORWICH
(k)Nickers Off Ready When I Come Home. As featured on                             countless thousands of wartime envelopes containing letters to wives and                             sweethearts back home, sent from military personnel serving abroad, dating back                             to the early/mid-1900s. See other forces sweetheart acronyms, for example: ITALY , SWALK , EGYPT , and HOLLAND . NORWICH is also a bacronym for Name One                             Reason Why I Came Here, used notably by opposing football club fans                             visiting the city (thanks I Walters).
NQR
Not Quite Right. (ODSA) Nurses' shorthand acronym to describe                             a patient in such condition. An abbreviation applicable the problems we all                             encounter which defy reliable analysis, and so it's transferable to pretty well                             all situations beyond the medical world. (Ack Charli)
NTD
Not Top Drawer. Upper-class people's expression refering to                             something of less than acceptable quality. See NOCD and PLU for other snobbish                             code.
NSFW
Not Safe For Work. Acronym to warn others (or remind oneself)                             that the information or content being sent, recommended or revealed is on the                             wrong side of political correctness or decency, and is liable to adversely                             affect career progression or even job retention, especially dodgy emails,                             websites. The acronym is of course transferable to a variety of other high risk                             behaviours or revelations, for example, certain fashion statements and                             haircuts; certain stories about your weekend exploits; revealing weird personal                             facts or accomplishments such as drunken tattoos or body piercings, possessing                             a huge collection of belly-button fur-balls, etc. The expression has also been                             applied to people themselves. (Ack C Purdom)
NTBR
Not To Be Resuscitated. In hospitals in the past one                             occasionally saw NTBR on patients' notes (thanks G Philp), presumably when                             life/value expectations were at a low level, and before ambulance chasing                             lawyers began earning money from medicine and ethics. Someone please correct me                             if I'm wrong, but I do not believe that such a note, rightly or wrongly, would                             be seen in modern times in the UK. As a follow-up to this (thanks I Walters) in                             the US, and so conceivably elsewhere in the world, where a very sick person's                             'living will' dictates, the acronym DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) may be written on                             the patient's chart or notes.
NTSC
National Television System Committee. Although the video and                             TV abbreviation is widely used, the meaning and origins are not commonly known.                             The abbreviation refers to colour television standard developed in the USA                             decades ago, and still used all over the world, despite its propensity to                             'colour drift' (whereby the colour reference signal wanders off-frequency).                             This tendency gave rise to the amusing alternative derogatory meaning given to                             the abbreviation (allegedly by boffins at the BBC): Never Twice the Same                             Colour. (Ack D Harte) See also SECAM and PAL acronyms.
NVQ
National Vocational Qualification. NVQ's are of course a                             significant presence in UK training and development. Some people love them,                             others loathe them. To help understand why this is look at the notes relating                             to multiple intelligence types                             and learning styles , also Kolb's learning                             styles , and the big section on personality types and models . NVQ's are                             wonderful for very many people: Several million certificates have been awarded                             since NVQ's were first introduced in 1986 by the then NCVQ (National Council                             for Vocational Qualifications - incidentally, since 1997 and as at 2006, NVQ's                             now come under QCA, the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority). But NVQ's                             don't suit everyone, ( kinesthetic                             learners for example) particularly if delivery and assessment methods make                             no allowance for folk who not naturally inclined to the structured and strongly                             administrative bias that NVQ accreditation typically demands. (More explanation                             about NVQ's will soon appear on this site.) Of the people who are not overly                             impressed with NVQ's, especially if they happen to feel a little enviously or                             resentfully towards other people's NVQ achievements, the NVQ acronym has been                             known (ack O Golamaully) to be interpreted instead to mean Not Very                             Qualified, which is of course very unfair and is not to be recommended at                             all - even if the proud new owner of an NVQ level 1 in Paint-Balling is                             parading it around the office like a Harvard doctorate. (I don't believe there                             is actually an NVQ in Paint-Balling yet, which is a pity...)
NYDN
Not Yet Diagnosed - Nervous. British Army Doctor's shorthand                             from the First World War, used on medical reports of soldiers suffering from                             shell-shock. Prior to official recognition of the condition, the term GAK (God                             Only Knows) was used. By December 1916 more than 17,000 British troops were                             officially diagnosed as suffering from nervous or mental disability (we'd say                             shell-shock or post-traumatic stress disorder these days), despite which the                             British military authorities continued to charge and convict sufferers with                             cowardice and desertion, and sentence to death by firing squad many of those                             found 'guilty'. In all, between 1914 and 1918, 346 British soldiers (including                             Commonwealth soldiers serving with the British army) were shot by firing squad.                             Over 300 of these men received the death sentence for what amounted to being                             incapable of fighting due to shell-shock and mental illness. The firing squads                             typically were made up from their own reluctant comrades. Most of the victims                             were very young men - some even less than the official recruiting age. Many had                             previously distinguished themselves for many months or years in the most savage                             conditions ever experienced in warfare. Few if any of the convicted men had                             proper representation at their 'trials'. Most were informed of their fate a few                             hours before the execution, even though the decision to carry out their                             sentence had been made some days or weeks prior, thus appeals were effectively                             prevented. Relatives were rarely informed prior to the execution and afterwards                             were refused access to any papers or details, incredibly because permission was                             required by the condemned man (difficult to believe, but true). Widows were                             denied normal pensions and rights, and many were ostracized by their                             communities. Other countries either did not shoot their own soldiers, or have                             long since issued full pardons, and in many cases have commemorated the                             victims. Only in 1989 did the British Government agree to release full details                             of the trials and the circumstances of the executions (on a rolling 75 year                             basis, so as to reduce the embarrassment and reaction). After decades of                             lobbying and campaigning by mostly ordinary people, on 16 August 2006, the                             British Government agreed to pardon 306 of these men (seemingly the number of                             British soldiers considered shot for 'cowardice' or 'desertion'), subject to                             ratification by Parliament, which came on 7 November 2006. It's a pity it took                             so long. The many government ministers who up until this time refused to do the                             right thing, and worse, who reinforced the 'guilt' of the victims and prolonged the suffering of their families, should search their own souls and learn from                             their failings. More about this subject is at the deeply disturbing website for                             the Shot At Dawn Campaign . More is                             also in the wonderful book 'The Thin Yellow Line' by William Moore, first                             published in 1974, revised in 1999, and still one of the most stirring accounts                             of institutional inhumanity and injustice that you will ever read. It took 90                             years for this wrong to be reconciled. The story emphasises two things: first,                             that people in authority have a responsibility to behave with integrity; and                             second, that where people in authority fail to act with integrity, the                             persistence and determination of ordinary people will eventually force them to                             do so. See also the stories                             page for suggestions of how this all relates to ethics and                             responsibilities, and the related discussion                             ideas .
OAP
Over Anxious Person. (ODSA) Original doctors' shorthand seen                             on prescription notes, but applicable far more widely, and an alternative to                             the conventional Old Age Pensioner interpretation, which I predict will                             be deemed politcally incorrect within the next few years... OAP is might                             alternatively and mischievously be interpreted (thanks S McCarthy) to mean On Another Planet. Beware of ageism risks if relating this to the                             conventional meaning.
OBE
Other Buggers' Efforts. This alternative meaning probably                             began in the British Army (thanks M Jackson) where it was a jibe at senior                             officers said to have been awarded the OBE by virtue of their troops' work. The                             usage is transferable to commerce and other walks of life, although of course                             some OBE's are actually awarded to very worthy and deserving people.                             Incidentally OBE technically stands for Order of the British Empire, and                             in years gone by also carried the meaning One Button Exposed - a                             reference to a man's open trouser fly (thanks P&J and N Spargo).
OBASHI
Ownership, Business processes, Applications, Systems, Hardware,                             Infrastructure. A methodology, and related aspect of Business Process Modelling , for                             mapping and developing how IT systems relate to organisational operations and                             enterprise, and optimising perfromance as a result. OBASHI seems to have been                             devised by UK consultants Fergus Cloughley and Paul Wallis in 2001. In October                             2009 the name OBASHI was registered in the UK as a trademark, No 2521486                             (classes 09, 35, 41, 42), by Cassini Software Ltd, run by Cloughley and                             Wallis.
OCEAN
Openness to experience, Conscientiousness,                             Extraversion/introversion, Agreeableness, Neuroticism. The 'Big Five'                             personality dimensions, by which modern day psychologists believe every                             person's personality and behaviour tendencies can be measured. Interestingly,                             between 30% and 50% of the variation between people's measurements in these                             characteristics are attributable to genetics (ie., 'nature' - inherited genes                             from ancestors and specifically parents), and the remainder to environmental                             factors (ie., 'nurture' - the way we have been brought up and our experiences).                             This means that in terms of the 'nature versus nurture' debate, on average                             'nurture' factors have more influence over our personality than 'nature'. That                             said, certain character traits are more likely to be caused by inherited                             (nature) than others, and extremely subtle differences exist, for example,                             propensity to hold serious religious belief is more likely to be genetic                             (nature) than propensity to have strong political attitudes, and propensity to                             drink coffee or alcohol is more likely to be genetic (nature) than propensity                             to smoke tobacco. (Source: Nature Versus Nurture by Matt Ridley)
ODSA
Original Doctors' Shorthand Acronym. There are lots of them,                             first used by GP's, consultants, nurses and other healthcare staff as secret                             coded comments about the patient. These dark and wonderful acronyms are now                             available for us all to use and enjoy, as most of them are applicable far                             beyond the medical world. 'ODSAs' are marked as such throughout this archive.                             (Ack Dr Phil Hammond for many)
OGRO
O Great Responsible One. Sardonic acronym for committee                             chair-people, project leaders, department managers, etc., who have delusions of                             grandeur or difficulties delegating and sharing with their teams. (Ack PS)
OFINTOT
Oh Flip I Never Thought Of That. Polite version of the                             ruder sister acronym of OSINTOT. For project management training, and many                             other situations that would benefit from improved attention to detail. (Thanks                             R Jones).
OHP
Over-Head Projector. These days a much under-rated piece of                             equipment, like a pencil and paper, and a flip-chart.
OINKY
One Income, No Kids Yet. Amusing demographics acronym from                             the dating industry.
OOO
Out Of Office. Out Of (the) Office is one example (thanks                             Achyuth B) of the many and various meanings represented by this pleasingly                             elegant acronym, here meaning simply out or not on the workplace site, and so widely seen in diaries, schedules and movement/availability planners. Other                             examples of OOO meanings include: One-On-One (alternative to                             'one-to-one', or '1-2-1', or 'head-to-head' in the sense of a meeting or                             confrontation between two people), Out Of Order (broken, out of service,                             or less commonly outside of acceptable standards or formal procedures), Out                             Of Options (in the sense of having tried and failed to find a solution or                             way forward), OpenOffice.Org (the excellent open source alternative to                             MSOffice - see openoffice.org ), On Our Own (see also WOOO and YOYO ), Out                             Of the Ordinary, Of Obscure Origin, Optical Optical Optical (a technical term in telecomms switching technology), Obshchestvo S                             Ogranichennoy Otvetstvennostyu (designation of a Russian limited company,                             similar to a British Ltd or American LLC, but allowing a maximum of fifty                             shareholders, beyond which it must become an OAO - Otkrytoye Aktsionernoye                             Obshchestvo), Object-Oriented Organization/Operation (relating to the                             complex technical notions of 'objects' in mathematical, computing and other                             scientific theories, typically seeking to explain, analyse and exploit                             relationships between entities, functions and processes, etc), and the amusing                             sports term, Overly Officious Official. Strangely and sadly, considering                             the common and varied meanings of OOO there seems to be no term in general use                             for a four-letter OOOO version, unless you know better...
OP
Oscillating Plumbism. 'Swinging the lead'. Very cleverly                             sarcastic medical note referring to a patient deemed to be 'swinging the lead'                             - meaning that the patient's sickness or injury is not genuine, he/she merely                             has an aversion to work. A plumb is a ball of lead - see swing the                             lead . (Thanks to the person who sent me this.)
ORCHID
One Recent Child, Heavily In Debt. These people are at Maslow                             Hierarchy of Needs level 3, so don't try appealing to their level 4 needs. See Maslow .
OSINTOT
Oh Shit I Never Thought Of That. Rarely admitted but                             often thought. Osintot (thanks KT) arises especially in the context of planning                             and project management of all sorts. The best demonstrations of the Osintot                             principle are generally provided by leaders and politicians who believe they                             are somehow immune from its risks, or similarly protected or excused by their                             chosen god. Obvious sister acronym of OFINTOT (thanks R Jones).
P2P
Peer To Peer. Normally expressed fully as 'peer-to-peer',                             this is an increasingly significant and hugely influential concept,                             particularly when contrasted with traditional B2C (Business-To-Consumer) business models. Also called C2C (Consumer To Consumer) the P2P term was popularized in the 1990s, first                             describing computers connected via the internet to each other as mutual                             servers, to enable file-sharing, most famously for illicit music downloading.                             Since then the term has come to refer more generally to direct communications                             or transactions between people considered equals, where no hierarchy or                             authority or 'middleman' is required, other than the                             communications/transactions technology. Peer means a person of equal status and                             derives from Latin 'par' meaning equal. The P2P concept is fundamentally                             enabled by the internet and related technologies, and threatens/promises to                             alter dramatically how the world is organized, specifically the nature of major                             services which have traditionally required a hierarchical/supplier structure,                             but which now given modern computerized technology, connectivity, and                             data-handling, arguably no longer require such a processing/coordinating body.                             Banking and insurance are two obvious examples. Banks traditionally existed                             because a 'middleman' or agent was required to keep cash securely, and to                             broker arrangements between lenders and borrowers. Insurance traditionally                             operates in a similar way, by which brokers underwrite risks, but basically insurance claims are paid from the funds which are created by premiums from                             those seeking to insure themselves. Peer-to-peer systems effectively cut out                             the middleman. Advocates and developers of peer-to-peer services typically ask:                             Why pay for a bank or an insurance company - and for all their infrastructure,                             running-costs, profits, etc - if the service is instead available direct,                             peer-to-peer, at a fraction of the cost or for free? P2P concepts now extend to                             the issuing and operating of currency, to further education, and to major parts                             of the media, news, music, publishing, etc. The potential of P2P methodology to                             change the world is considerable. Modern communications technologies - enabling                             peer-to-peer services of all sorts - are progressively causing traditional                             'bricks-and-mortar-based' organizations to become uncompetitive, cumbersome,                             and obsolete, especially where infrastructure is unnecessarily expensive and/or                             investors/owners/directors/executives seek unduly high rewards. Just as early                             'cottage industry' was effectively wiped out by the Industrial Revolution, we                             can now anticipate many aspects (and corporations) of traditional                             commerecial/industrial supply to eventually be rendered obsolete, by a newer                             more efficient 'nil-corporation' P2P revolution, (which ironically could enable                             a newly resurgent P2P-connected 'cottage industry mark II').
PAC
Parent, Adult, Child. The three alter-ego states defined in                             Eric Berne's theory of Transactional Analysis. See the Transactional                             Analysis pages on this site.
PAFO
Pissed And Fell Over. Healthcare acronym. Applicable in other                             situations, e.g., excessive indulgence at corporate hospitality events,                             conferences, weddings, etc. See also FDGB .
PAL
Phase Alternate Line. Television standard embraced and                             popularised by the BBC (not actually 'developed by the BBC', as previously                             stated here - see note below), as a more stable (self-correcting) technology                             than NTSC for handling the                             colour-carrier TV signal, by inverting its 'phase' on every line as the picture                             is drawn down the screen, (thanks DH). See also SECAM . In the television context PAL has also been                             given the alternative ironic meaning Pale and Lifeless (thanks R                             Blunden), and additionally Paid for Added Luxury, which is a reference                             to the (then) extra cost of the 'delay line' required to make the PAL receiver                             work, (thanks Mike). Also, unrelated to TV technology, PAL more generally                             stands for Price/Availability List.
PAL footnote (kindly sent by Jim McDonald): "...PAL, or                             sometimes Peace At Last, was developed by a German, Walter Bruch, at                             Telefunken. In essence he adapted NTSC to a 625-by-50 scanning system, and came                             up with an elegant (if slightly pricey) fix for NTSC's sensitivity to phase                             distortion. I never had the honor of meeting Mr Bruch, but know people who have                             and reported him to be a fine person as well as a dedicated engineer, and it is                             fitting he be credited. Incidentally, SECAM actually predated PAL, in concept                             at least. It was developed by Henri de France and patented in 1958, 4 years                             before the PAL patent was awarded to Bruch." (Ack Jim McDonald)
PANIC
Pressured And Not In Control. Descriptive and useful acronym                             for all sorts of situations. A reminder also that pressure alone does not                             produce panic - it's whether you can control it. (Ack G Christie-MacAllan)
PAY
Prioritise Activities by Yield. The principle of 'working                             smart'. The word 'yield' means the result or productive effect of an action or                             activity. In life and business it's helpful to focus your efforts on tasks and                             activities that will give the highest return on your efforts. Identify and then                             work on things that will produce the best yield in your chosen area. When you                             plan how to spend your time, plan to spend it on efforts that will produce the highest yield according to whatever you are trying to achieve, be that business                             results, profit, etc, or any other desired impact, effect, benefit, greater                             good, etc. See also MILE and MOFMOF , and the Pareto Principle , also                             known as the 80:20 Rule. (Thanks S Billbess)
PbO
Plumbum Oscillans. Very clever mock Latin phrase equating to 'swinging the                             lead' , meaning pretending to be ill, or generally avoiding work by some                             other means. PbO seemingly first appeared as doctors shorthand on medical                             notes, and is worthy of far wider use in referring to shirking, work-avoidance,                             and failing to apply proper conviction to a task. Pb is of course the chemical                             symbol for the heavy metallic chemical element lead, traditionally used on the end of a string as  a 'plumb-bob', to establish a vertical line, or depth/height. (Thanks RW)
PBP
Proctodynia By Proxy. (ODSA) Highly amusing healthcare                             abbreviation to describe a condition suffered by clinical staff. Proctodynia is                             the medical term for rectal pain, so a patient/colleague who is very                             demanding/unreasonable is a pain in the backside for the other staff, causing                             them PBP. The PBP expression is therefore extremely transferable to all types                             of work, relationship and service situations. (ack ET)
PCMCIA
People Can't Memorise Computer Industry Acronyms. Far more                             amusing and useful alternative abbreviation than the normal IT industry                             interpretation, which for the record is: Personal Computer Memory Card                             Interface Adapter. (Ack A Fourie)
PDA
Public Display of Affection. Courtesy of Prince Andrew, Duke                             of York, as quoted in a press interview, circa early 2000, as part of an                             explanation as to why he can't hug his children. (During his formative years -                             nor now for that matter - PDA was not the done-thing in the royal household.)                             PDA is actually very good for the soul, whether you're a royal or not. Try it,                             you'll like it, and so will the recipient. Alternative meaning - Personal                             Digital Assistant (a small electronic personal organiser) - which is not                             nearly so interesting.
PDK
Polyester Double-Knit. A derogatory term for someone who is                             out of fashion, from USA 1980s campus society.
PDQ
Pretty Damn Quick. Or Pretty Darned Quick. Simple and                             often effective abbreviation, for accelerating and prioritising projects,                             activities, requests, etc., actually from the late 1800s. (Thanks MR for                             reminder)
PEARL
Pupils Equal And Reacting To Light. Original nurses'                             shorthand, and a sardonic form of MEGO. A good presenter should never hesitate                             to subject a bored seminar delegate to the PEARL test. See also PERRLA                             below.
PEBCAK
Problem Exists Between Chair And Keyboard. One of the great                             modern acronyms. Usage not restricted to the computer operators - apply to any                             situation where the human element contributes the weakest link. (ack Don Clark)                             See also PICNIC, UBAD, DISFOB, and the ID 10 T code.
PEMDAS
Parenthesis, Exponents, Multiply, Divide, Add, Subtract. Mathematical order of operations (similar to BODMAS ). The additional                             mnemonic 'Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally' can be helpful in remembering                             PEMDAS. (Thanks A Almaliah)
PEP
Paternalistic, Economic, Participative. The three main                             motivational styles found in organizations and management.
PERRLA
Pupils Equal, Round, Reactive to Light and Accommodate to                             distance. Technically fuller version of PEARL above, used by nurses and doctors on patients notes.
PERT
Program/Programme Evaluation and Review Technique. PERT is a                             specialised project management method. It is also                             referred to as Project Evaluation and Review Technique. In a more                             general and less technical context it might also be called Performance                             Evaluation and Review Technique. PERT is a specialised project management                             method, especially in project planning, in which its extensive diagrams enable                             a very detailed analysis of lots of related activities, especially the timings,                             implications and opportunities arising from connected events. PERT techniques                             were probably devised originally in the 1950s by the DuPont corporation                             (although some sources suggest the General Dynamics Corporation) as a cost/time                             analysis tool within the broader Critical Path Analysis project planning and                             management method (also referred to as Critical Path Method/Modelling). PERT                             was subsequently adopted by the US Navy and refined further, around 1958,                             supposedly for Polaris submarine development. PERT contains various                             standardized symbols within its diagram format. The method is not a trademarked                             or protected concept, although various proprietary systems and applications                             exist which make use of its principles. PERT remains closely related to                             Critical Path Analysis, for modelling effects in detail of large numbers of                             related timed events within a project. PERT is potentially helpful for big                             complex projects which have crucial deadlines, within which budgets may be more                             flexible than usual, and where there is a major need to exploit opportunities                             to shorten timescales by improving the integration of interdependent                             activities. PERT is a specialised tool within project management and so tends                             to be used alongside, or as a detailed feed into, broader project management                             methods.
PEST
Political, Economic, Social, Technological. Classic                             situational analysis headings, guaranteed to prompt nods of approval when used                             in business presentations. You may see 'Environmental' used instead of                             'Economic' depending on the context. Either version is actually a very useful                             analysis and interpretation tool for business and marketing situations. PEST is                             sometimes extended to 'PESTELI' in which the headings: Ecological (or                             Environmental), Legislative (or Legal), and Industry Analysis are added, and                             other variations. See the free PEST                             analysis template . See also ' SWOT '.
PhD
Pubic Hair Design/Piled Higher and Deeper. Wonderfully                             mischievous interpretations of the usual PhD meaning of academic excellence and                             qualification (thanks respectively T Early and L Sarriola). Incidentally the                             conventional version Doctor of Philosophy is from the literal Latin origin                             Philosophiae Doctor. The two less serious versions are normally used quite                             independently of each other in different situations, although together they do                             have a certain ring, if that's an acceptable word in this context, which it                             probably isn't.
PICNIC
Problem In Chair Not In Computer. Shorthand of IT technical                             support staff to describe 'confused' users. Sister acronym to PEBCAK (Ack D                             Chadwick) See also BDU, ID10T, UBAD, ESO, EBCAD, and DISFOB.
PIG
Pride, Integrity and Guts. A reverse acronym (see 'bacronyms' ) created, it is said, by police                             in the US as a positive interpretation of the common derogatory reference to                             their noble profession. There is a lesson here to us all, in always seeking                             ways to turn negatives into positives. We cannot control how others treat us,                             but we can certainly control how we respond. (Ack P Caron)
PIGINIMBY
Phew I'm Glad It's Not In My Back-Yard. A type of hypocrite                             who thinks they sit at the right hand of God, and loudly goes around accusing                             others of nimbyism (see NIMBY).
PIMS
Profit Impact of Marketing Strategy. Important reminder of                             the aim, just in case the marketing effort threatens to disappear up its own                             rear end.
PINS
Persons In Need of Supervision. From the educational and                             social care sectors. Quite an apt expression for emphasising responsibility and                             grown-up behaviour. For example, training session syndicate work when groups                             leave the watchful eye of the facilitator, or for positioning unsupervised                             tasks and assignments.
PIOTA
Pull It Outa The Air. Think of a number (or a word, or an                             answer...). For those situations when not a lot of thought is required, or is                             being exhibited, in trying to come up with an answer or start-point.
PISA
Permanent and Irrecoverable State of Alcoholism. (ODSA)                             Medical acronym used by doctors and healthcare staff to describe patients with                             serious drink-related problems. (Ack MP)
PITA
Pain In The Arse. US version typically is Pain In The                             Ass. Various uses. (Thanks S Reid)
PITSA
Person (or Passenger) Intoxicated Through Substance Abuse. Allegedly a London Underground tube system acronym used by certain staff to                             describe a member of the public found un-conscious or semi-conscious on station                             premises. The product of the victim's over-indulgence when present on the                             platform is known colloquially as a 'Platform Pizza', leading to occasional                             word play with the similarity in the sounds. (Ack A Butler)
PLMK
Please Let Me Know. An example of an abbreviation designed                             with the aim of saving time for the writer, but which often turns out to be a                             false economy when the reader doesn't understand the request. (Ack B                             Butcher)
PLOKTA
Press Lots Of Keys To Abort. Emergency IT acronym. Completely                             useless yet a widely practised computer trouble-shooting method.
PLU
People Like Us. Upper-class reference to describe others who                             have similar high-class aspirations and standards. See also NTD and NOCD for                             other semi-secret upper-class coded terms.
PNG
Persona Non-Grata. Abbreviation for the ageless Latin term                             for an unwelcome or disagreeable person, meaning literally 'person not                             pleasing'. (Ack ED)
POB
Passenger(s) On Board. Primarily a taxi-cab drivers expression used when reporting back to base that they've picked up a fare and                             have the customer(s) safely aboard (Ack MP). The acronym transfers extremely                             well to describe certain work teams, and to explain the importance of teamwork                             (ie., if a team is a 'POB' team, then it contains at least one 'passenger', not                             contributing as fully as they might be). Also a reminder for team leaders and                             facilitators of the importance of setting up work teams and syndicate groups                             for team-building games so that all members of the teams are engaged in the                             activity (see the team building activities                             guidelines ).
POETS (day)
Push Off Early, Tomorrow's Saturday. Polite version. Original                             rude version is Piss Off Off Early, Tomorrow's Saturday. Work expression                             originating in the UK, possibly London, first recorded in the 1970s (Cassells)                             but likely to be earlier in actual use, referring to Friday. In the UK piss off                             means go away or leave, as well as annoy. Usage for example would be: "Where is                             everyone this afternoon?" ...... "Gone to the pub - it's Poets day." (Thanks R                             Brennan)
POHM
Prisoners Of Her/His Majesty. Acronym alleged by some to be                             the original meaning of the Australian term 'Pom' or 'Pommie' for English folk;                             (many early English settlers in Australia were deported criminals).                             Alternatively (ack Gerry) it is shown as POME, interpreted as Prisoner Of                             Mother England. In fact a common view among etymologists is that pom and pommie                             probably derived from pome meaning a fruit like apple or pear, and pomegranate                             (pomme of course is French for apple), and that POHM and POME are                             retrospectively-arrived-at acronyms, or ' bacronyms '.
POLO
Pants Off Legs Open. Teen mating terminology, apparently. I                             am not aware of this being used in medical or gynaecological circumstances,                             despite the obvious possibilities. If you know better please tell me.
POMO
Position Of Maximum Opportunity. POMO  is a very powerful concept. POMO emphasizes that timing and circumstances are critical in many types of decision-making. Specifically POMO  reminds us of the importance of   optimal   conditions in any situation where a person or group wants to take action. This especially relates to business strategy (everything from selling, to business start-up and new product development), in which  awareness and decision-making about timing, resources, geography, fitness, readiness, environment, etc., generally have a  crucial influence on achieving a successful and sustainable outcome. POMO can be as significant in executing a plan as the quality of the plan/idea itself. See the decision-making process and 'pros and cons' weighting template , which offers an easy way to actually apply POMO in a controlled measurable way. Assessing and using POMO is also greatly aided by tools such as SWOT and PEST analysis, which suggest the main strategic issues to consider when populating a weighted decision-making template.
POS
Point Of Sale. Retail term, being the physical point at                             which products are displayed on shelves or paid for at the checkout, as in the                             EPOS acronym.
POSH
Port Out Starboard Home. Again, not really a business                             acronym, but interesting. The derivation is supposed by many (erroneously                             probably) to relate to the detail printed on P&O tickets denoting the more                             expensive cabins on sailings from England to India. See POSH in the clichés origins section.
POSTAD TV
Priorities, Outcomes, Sequence, Timings, Attendees, Date, Time,                             Venue. Nothing to do with Eastern Bloc broadcasting, these are the                             essentials for a good meeting, and what must appear on the agenda. ('Outcomes'                             meaning required outcomes, ie discussion, decision, etc.)
POTUS
President Of The United States. Acronym used by Whitehouse                             staff. See also FLOFTUS.
POV
Point Of View. POV is widely used and a very efficient modern expression (typically in business communications, referring a standpoint or                             opinion of a person or grouping) to the extent that we can imagine one day                             'pov' will be officially recognised for this meaning as a word in its own                             right. An early or perhaps original use of the POV expression/acronym was in                             cinematography: a 'POV shot' is one which sees the action from the view of a                             (usually) central character to the scene. Where a POV shot is taken from the                             angle of a notional character - as if the viewer is in the scene - it is called                             a 'nobody POV'. POV angles are common in video gaming too, where the player                             sees the action as if experiencing it. Unsurpisingly POV filming happens a lot                             in pornography and has become a genre of its own in that industry. Quite apart                             from this, POV otherwise stands for Privately Owned Vehicle, and more                             technically Peak of Operating Voltage, which I guess is just before                             something explodes or bursts into fire. (Thanks B Carignan)
PPC
Product Price Close. The ultimate simplification of the                             selling process. And yet many still fail to remember even these fundamental                             steps. (Thanks M Booth)
 
P4 (PPPP)
Purpose, People, Planet, Probity (or Purity or                             Principles). Four cornerstones of sustainable success and a maxim for                             modern management and organisational philosophy. (Probity means honesty,                             uprightness - it's from the Latin word probus, meaning good). 'Purpose' is an                             apt replacement for 'Profit' and thus makes the acronym appropriate for use in                             not-for-profit organisations. Profit-focused corporations can of course                             substitute 'Profit' for 'Purpose'. More detailed explanation of the P4 model of modern leadership .                             See also Corporate Governance .
PPPP or The Four P's
Product, Price, Promotion, Place. The essential ingredients                             of the marketing mix, and the start of 75% of all marketing presentations.
4P (also PPPP)
Piss-Poor Prior Planning. Military abbreviation which spawned                             several variants, see PPPPPP, P6, P7, etc, below.
After an absence of many months, we are proud to present the return                             of the great Piss-Poor Performance chase...
PPPPPP (aka P6                         - and more...)
Prior Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance. Extension of                             the P4 military abbreviation, eminently transferable to business and life,                             particularly time management. (Ack AD) See also FUGAZI . Alternatively, and arguably more                             grammatically elegant (can planning be anything other than prior?...), Proper Planning Prevents Piss-Poor Performance, which inevitably opens                             the possibility of a P7 = Proper Prior Planning Prevents Piss Poor                             Performance, or P7 = Prior Planning and Preparation Prevents Piss Poor                             Performance, which in turn suggests a P8 = Proper Prior Planning and                             Preparation Prevents Piss-Poor Performance. P9 = Proper Prior Planning                             and Preparation Potentially Prevents Piss-Poor Performance, and in the                             context of training delivery, P10 = Proper Prior Planning and Preparation                             Potentially Prevents Piss-Poor Presentation and Performance (Ack S                             Thurlow). Alternatively and more politely P10 = Proper Prior Planning and                             Preparation Promotes Perfect Performance Preventing Poor Production (Ack P                             Valee). Now things start to get a bit more serious...
P12: Proper Prior Planning and Preparation Promotes Perfect                             Performance Preventing Piss Poor Production Processes (Ack M Verpalen).
P14: Proper Prior Planning and Preparation Promotes Perfect                             Performance Preventing Piss Poor Production Processes and Plummeting                             Profits (Ack S Spaulding).
P15: Potentially, Proper Prior Planning and Preparation Promotes                             Perfect Performance Preventing Piss Poor Production Processes and Plummeting                             Profits (Ack S Shaw).
P16: Potentially, Proper Prior Planning and Preparation Promotes                             Perfect Pristine Performance Preventing Piss Poor Production Processes and                             Plummeting Profits (Ack Nick Fox). Sorry, this one has been down-rated I'm                             afraid from P17 to P16 due to removal of a repeated word..
P17: Potentially, Proper Prior Planning and Preparation Promotes                             Perfect Pristine Performance Preventing Piss Poor Perfunctory Production                             Processes and Plummeting Profits (Ack Steve Cuff).
P19: Potentially, Proper Prior Planning and Preparation Promotes                             and Predicates Perfect Pristine Positive Performance Preventing Piss Poor                             Production Processes and Perenially Plummeting Profits (Ack Nick                             Spargo)
P19: Proper Prior Planning and Purposeful Preparation Potentially                             Promotes Perfect, Pristine and Precise Performance Preventing, Primarily, Piss                             Poor Production Processes and Plummeting Profits (Ack Andrew McArthur,                             especially for grammatical assistance), these last three of which combine to                             produce...
P23: Proper Prior Planning and Purposeful Preparation Potentially                             Promotes and Predicates Perfect, Pristine, Positive and Precise Performance                             Preventing, Primarily, Piss Poor Perfunctory Production Processes and                             Perenially Plummeting Profits. (Ack AM, SC and NS)
P24: Persistent Proper Prior Planning and Purposeful Preparation                             Potentially Promotes and Predicates Perfect, Pristine, Positive and Precise                             Performance Preventing, Primarily, Piss Poor Perfunctory Production Processes                             and Perenially Plummeting Profits. (Ack M Andrews)
P26: Persistent Painstaking Proper Prior Planning and Purposeful                             Patient Preparation Potentially Promotes and Predicates Perfect, Pristine,                             Positive and Precise Performance Preventing, Primarily, Piss Poor Perfunctory                             Production Processes and Perenially Plummeting Profits. (Ack J Crowthers)
P27: Persistent Painstaking Proper Prior Planning and Purposeful                             Patient Preparation Potentially Promotes and Predicates Perfect, Pristine,                             Positive and Precise Performance Preventing, Primarily, Piss Poor Perfunctory                             Production Processes and Perenially Plummeting Profits, Period. (Ack S Vallely)
P29: Persistent Painstaking Proper Prior Planning and Purposeful                             Patient Preparation Potentially Promotes and Predicates Perfect, Pristine, Positive and Precise Performance Preventing, Primarily, Problematic, Piss Poor Perfunctory Production Processes                             and Perenially Plummeting Pre-tax Profits,                             Period. (Ack N Elliott)
The stakes are being raised...
P33: Perspicuous Persistent                             Painstaking Proper Prior Planning and Purposeful Patient Preparation                             Potentially Promotes and Predicates Perfect Pristine Perspective, and Positive and Precise Performance,                             Preventing, Primarily, Problematic, Pernicious Piss Poor Perfunctory Projects and Production Processes, and Perenially                             Plummeting Pre-tax Profits, Period. (Ack S Kanive and HSX382,                             combined)
P36: Perspicuous Persistent Painstaking Proper Prior Planning and                             Purposeful Patient Preparation Potentially Promotes and Predicates Perfect                             Pristine Perspective, Principally Presenting Positive and Precise Performance, Perhaps Preventing, Primarily, Problematic, Pernicious Piss Poor Perfunctory Projects                             and Production Processes, and Perennially Plummeting Pre-tax Profits,                             Period. (Ack S Thurlow)
P40: Procedural Practices and Protocols Permitting, Perspicuous Persistent Painstaking Proper Prior Planning and                             Purposeful Patient Preparation Potentially Promotes and Predicates Perfect                             Pristine Perspective, Principally Presenting Positive and Precise Performance,                             Perhaps Preventing, Primarily, Problematic, Pernicious Piss Poor Perfunctory                             Projects and Production Processes, and Perennially Plummeting Pre-tax Profits,                             Period. (Ack M Glidden)
P49: Procedural Practices and Protocols Permitting, Pondering Pre-emptively and                                     Provisionally Prevailing Preconditions Pertaining to Prosecution of Perspicuous Persistent Painstaking Proper Prior Planning and Purposeful                             Patient Preparation, Potentially Promotes and Predicates Perfect Pristine                             Perspective, Principally Presenting Positive and Precise Performance Per se, Perhaps Preventing, Primarily,                             Problematic, Pernicious Piss Poor Perfunctory Projects and Production                             Processes, and Probably Perennially Plummeting                             Pre-tax Profits, Period. (Thanks F Steer and SB)
P50, anyone?...... ( Let me know )
The 29 P's of surviving                         bird-flu..
Proper Prior Planning and Preparation Promotes Pandemic                             Preparedness, Preventing Piss Poor Performance, Pernicious Pestilence,                             Pervasive Public Panic, Probable Personal Petulance, Pulmonary Pathogens, Poor                             Patient Prognosis, Preventable Pain and Poohing your Pants when it all goes                             Pear-shaped. (Ack I Miller)
PRIC
Problem, Rectification, Investigation, Correction. Known as                             the corrective action loop. The essential four stages for good quality                             management practice, customer service development, quality of service, and                             general personal development. The main point is that rectifying the problem is                             only half the story; you need to ensure there is no recurrence.
PRIDE
Personal Responsibility In Delivering Excellence. A bit of an                             acronym cheat because 'for' would sound much better than 'in', but PRFDE                             doesn't have quite the same ring to it. (Courtesy Mr Bull, of the England Rugby                             Union national team coaching staff.)
PRINCE/PRINCE2
PRojects In Controlled Environments. As the UK Office of                             Government Commerce explains, the PRINCE methodology "...was first developed by                             the UK government in 1989 as the standard approach to IT project management for                             central government. Since then, the method has been enhanced (and named                             PRINCE2) to become a generic, best practice approach suitable for the                             management of all types of projects, and has a proven record outside both IT                             and government sectors. PRINCE2 has been widely adopted and adapted by both the                             public and private sectors and is now the UK's de facto standard for project                             management..." PRINCE2 aims to enable:
consistency of approach
control and organisation at all times
regular reviews against plan
appropriate and timely management and stakeholder involvement
effective communications between project and all involved and                                 affected
identification of and learning from project lessons
options for project management skills improvement for all staff
PURE
Previously Undiscovered Recruiting Error. A relatively recent                             new employee who is not quite working out as expected... Remember - it ain't                             their fault - it's the organisation which makes the decision to hire, not the                             candidate.. (Ack R Gesling)
QUALGO
Quasi Autonomous Local Government organization. Younger                             brother to QUANGO, and not nearly so famous.
QUANGO
QUasi Autonomous Non-Governmental Organization. Now also                             ironically and alternatively interpreted (ack AM) as Quite Unacceptable And                             Nasty Government Offshoot. Either way, the QUANGO acronym is now firmly                             established as a word in its own right. In generations to come, folk will muse                             over its origins and whether the wrestler of the same name (Johnny Kwango -                             phonetically the same that is), who used to polish his forehead with a towel                             before administering his trademark head-but, had anything to do with the                             term.
QED
Quod Erat Demonstrandum. The literal translation from the                             Latin is 'which (or what) was to be proved', and in this strict sense the                             expression has been used in physics and mathematics for centuries. However the                             QED expression has become more widely adopted in recent times generally meaning                             'thus we have proved the proposition stated above as we were required to do', or perhaps put more simply, 'point proven'. Originally QED was used by Greek                             mathematician Euclid, c.300 BC, when he appended the letters to his geometric                             theorems. A modern ironic interpretation (thanks N Nasir) is Quite Easily                             Done.
QFD
Quality Function Deployment. Japanese quality and service                             development model.
RADAR
RAdio Detection And Ranging. One of the best known acronyms                             to have entered the language isn't a true acronym at all, but then RDAR doesn't                             trip off the tongue nearly so well. RADAR also represents the quality                             management assessment process used in connection with the European                             Quality Management Model : Results, Approach, Deployment, Assessment,                             Review.
RABADAD
Running A Business And Doing A Degree. Members of this kind                             of virtual club (otherwise known as SISA - self-inflicted social abstinence)                             will recognise the need for such a concept. (Thanks Jane Penson).
RAP
Retards Attempting Poetry. Mischievous bacronym poking fun at the rapping art                             form.
RAPC
Run Away People Coming. Properly RAPC stands for Royal                             Army Pay Corps. The mischievous alternative (thanks Malcolm Jackson)                             reflects the age-old tendency for soldiers close to the action to make fun of                             those further away from it. Similar dynamics are commonly exhibited and the                             subject of inter-departmental banter within commercial organizations too, for                             example between sales and administration functions.
RFI
Request For Information. Sales department shorthand. Special                             priority when use in conjunction with RFN (see below).
RFP
Request For Proposal. More sales department shorthand. Also                             high priority when accompanied by RFN (see above).
REME
Rough Engineering Made Easy. More convenionally the acronym                             stands for Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. (Ack IB)
RHINO
Really Here In Name Only. An acronym for when we'd rather be                             somewhere else, and a reminder for us when arranging activities for others:                             people usually have other priorities, so respect and make the best possible use                             of other people's time. See also MEGO , LANO,                             PEARL.
RICE
Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation. Medical acronym for the                             treatment of certain leg and foot injuries. I've obviously revealed the meaning                             now, nevertheless wanted to share the elegant way this was sent to me, a lesson                             in humorous and succinct communication in its own right: "Following from                             reading your entry under ASDA , I sprained my ankle                             and was advised by my doctor to use rice. What, eat it or rub it in? Nope,                             apparently it's for Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation..." (Thanks P Hallums)                             Two lines, made irresistible to the reader. The power of words and language is                             fascinating and amazing.
RISE
Realization/Realisation, Investigation, Substitution,                             Embedding. This is a very clear sequential and elegant model for                             self-development, and a brilliant quick reference model for helping others work                             towards and achieve personal change and development. Dawn Stanley, a UK-based                             personal change therapist and counsellor/counselor devised the RISE model and                             acronym in 2010, and I am grateful for her permission to feature and share it                             here. Dawn Stanley's RISE method offers a clear, flexible and integrative                             framework for transformational change. It is a sequential process too, that's                             very easy to understand and convey. Like many very clever concepts (Google,                             Twitter, Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs , the wheel, fire,                             etc) RISE seems obvious, natural, and logical, now that it has been created.                             While the RISE model was developed chiefly for personal change therapy and                             coaching, excitingly its central principles are transferable far more widely,                             for example to organizational change, team development/improvement, strategic                             directional changes in business and marketing, parenting, relationships and                             mediation, sports and fitness coaching, etc. The sequential elements are, and                             therefore Stanley's 'RISE process' is, as follows:
Realisation - the 'light-bulb moment' - knowing and                                 accepting that change is needed, and committing to it - "knowing you want to                                 change".
Investigation - developing clarity about what, why and how                                 change can happen.
Substitution - out with the old, in with the new -                                 creating conscious change.
Embedding - transformational change - reinforcing the                                 change at unconscious competence level.
(When/if referring to this RISE model please attribute it                             appropriately. ©RISE Method of Personal Change. Dawn Stanley 2010-12. More information at Dawn Stanley's                             website . The RISE model complements other personal change concepts very                             neatly, for example John Fisher's Personal                             Transition Curve/Theory . RISE sits particularly harmoniously alongside Kirkpatrick's learning                             evaluation model , and also offers a parallel 'how to' framework for the conscious competence learning                             model .)
RISK
Reasonable? Identify, System, Knowlege. Devised cleverly (by                             Colin Pitman in 2009, thanks) as a quick checklist/process aid for managing                             risk in organizations and teaching in this area. The elements enable adaptation                             for local practices, for example:
R - Is it reasonable to classify the issue(s) as a                                 real risk?
I - Assuming the risk is reasonable identify its                                 nature, implications, avoidance, and remedial measures.
S - Develop a system for this, or incorporate into                                 existing risk systems (e.g., describe, assess, manage, evaluate.. 'DAME' - or                                 alternative system according to local situation.)
K - Ensure knowledge of the above is extended                                 appropriately.
ROB
Rich Ordinary Briton. Demographic acronym, wealthy people who                             regard themselves as 'working class', according to the Future Foundation,                             accounting for 2.67m of the UK population (May 2006), and the top 20% according                             to monetary worth.
ROI
Return On Investment. Fundamantal measure of business                             performance (of a whole business, a part of a business, a business activity or                             decision - anything with a cost and attributable profit). See the explanation                             in the Financial Terms section.
ROMEO
Retired Old Men Eating Out. A simple acronym which helps tell                             a very big story. The acronym is commonly credited to Tom Brokaw in his 1998                             book The Greatest Generation (Thanks G Thompson), although the term and the                             custom surrounding the concept of 'Retired Old Men Eating Out' (alternatively Rich or Respectable Old Men Eating Out, or Enjoying                             Outings) seems to pre-date this, indeed a growing ' Romeo Club ' sub-culture                             exists in the US and is bound to increase and spread in one form or another                             everywhere given demographic projections (many people living longer, getting                             richer, and being more active and useful in later years). The big story lies in                             the social and economic implications of the Romeo phenomenon, which are                             actually considerable and potentially very positive, if ways can be found for                             rich/retired old men (and women) to help a little with the next and needy                             generations. This challenge of 'generational utilization' is now one of the                             greatest opportunities for humankind - whereby people can (must) achieve                             greater fulfilment in old age, while and through sharing wisdom, experience and                             maybe even a bit of wealth too with others where it's needed. Generational                             transfer of knowledge and help has always been significant in human evolution.                             Interestingly some assert that this effect (and benefit) was responsible for                             the evolution of the female menopause (women who lived longer because they                             could no longer bear children ensured improved survival of their descendents                             and therefore their genes). In modern times however humankind benefits not just                             by people living longer, but also by the better availability of knowledge and                             practical help - first through books, and now through the internet, which will                             (and must) provide progressively improving connections and inclusiveness for                             generational teaching and learning.
RORO
Roll On Roll Off. Originally and still a type of                             cross-channel ferry, whereby cars and trucks board one end and disembark at the                             other. Now more widely applied to any form of relatively indiscriminate and                             fast-turnaround no-nonsense high-volume human processing method (eg., NHS                             dentists, general practitioners, Spanish holiday tattoo parlours, etc.)
ROTFLA..
Rolling On The Floor Laughing And... Internet and texting                             abbreviation prefix with too many variations to mention here, aside from two of                             the better examples: ROTFLABIC = Rolling On The Floor Laughing And Biting Into                             Carpet, and ROTFLAPIMP = Rolling On The Floor Laughing And Peeing In My                             Pants.
RPM
Resale Price Maintenance. The UK Net Book Agreement, as was.                             Means by which retail prices are controlled by primary suppliers.                             (Alternatively, Revolutions Per Minute, as in engine speed and 78, 33                             and 45 records. In years to come how many people will know that LP stood                             originally for Long Player?)
RSVP
Repondez S'il Vous Plait. Properly in French: Répondez s'il vous plaît - meaning 'please reply', RSVP is                             traditionally printed on invitations to weddings and parties, etc., as a                             request for the recipient to reply. Literally translated as 'reply if it you                             pleases', or more recognizably, 'reply please', since 's'il vous plait' has                             long meant 'please' in French, literally from the earlier full construction of                             'if it pleases you'. See more about RSVP in the                             cliches origins page . (Thanks MK for raising RSVP, and thanks C Smith for                             spelling and diacritical corrections.)
RRR ('the 3Rs')
Reading, wRiting, aRithmetic. 'Reading, wRiting, aRithmetic'                             is the modern interpretation, also shown as "Reading, 'riting, and 'rithmetic".                             The abbreviation has at times been interpreted using different words, for                             example 'Reckoning', and 'Reasoning' have been used to represent                             numerical/logical capabilities. Later below in this item you will see other                             alternatives. 'The three Rs' - or 'The 3 Rs' - is a fascinating abbreviation.                             The 'The Three Rs' is very widely used in referring to young people's                             education, specifically nowadays a focus on literacy and numeracy (language and                             numbers). 'The Three Rs' abbreviation works very well because its quirky                             phonetic interpretation (based on the R sounds, rather than the initial                             letters) makes it far more memorable than the strict abbreviation of 'Reading,                             Writing, Arithmetic' - RWA - which obviously is not memorable at all. The                             'mismatched' abbreviation also has an ironically amusing quality given its                             educational and grammatical context. More interestingly however... 'Reading' and 'Writing' both refer to literacy, and given the extreme rarity of people of                             any age who are awful at reading and brilliant at reading, or vice-versa, it                             seems strange that such a well-used term could carry such a duplication of                             effort in its meaning. There is perhaps an explanation, and within the                             explanation maybe a little enlightenment: Commonly, the education of young                             people (UK particularly) adopts a very strong literacy/numeracy focus, with the                             consequence that much lower emphasis is placed on the value of capabilities in                             other areas, notably 'making and designing things', such as artworks and all                             manner of physical and mechanical things. 'Making and designing things' also                             entails the need to understand: 'how things work'; 'what are things made of';                             'what happens if?..'; 'using my hands'; 'using tools'; 'experimenting with                             ideas'; 'fixing and mending things'; 'how problems have been solved in the                             past'; 'how problems can be solved in future', 'materials'; 'how things are                             manufactured and produced'; 'what things cost'; 'durability and value';                             'physics'; 'chemistry'; 'biology and the natural world'; 'safety and                             first-aid'; 'waste and the environment'; 'recording results'; 'measuring                             things', and countless other aspects of human learning and development and                             capability and potential, which today's 'The Three Rs' largely completely                             ignore. (Again in the UK, and probably lots of places elsewhere too) this is                             interesting because the UK seems for some while (according to general commentaries and reports) not to have enough engineers and scientists and                             craftsmen/women, and to have lost its once-vast manufacturing pride and                             industrial base. Also there seem to be lots of young people who pass through                             the education system and do not do well at 'The Three Rs', and who do not go on                             to university, and who do not seem to do very well in life as a whole. Some of                             these people (having been told throughout their school years that they are                             useless at 'The Three Rs') not surprisingly become disillusioned and later fail                             to find work, or worse turn to crime, producing a considerable social and                             economic burden. So something is wrong and people wring their hands and wonder                             why.... Well, actually, a long time ago young people were taught a great deal                             more about 'making and designing things' than they are today. Young people who                             were natural makers and designers (many of whom were not naturally good at 'The                             Three Rs') could then grow in confidence, doing things that they were good at                             and enjoyed doing, and so develop self-esteem, and value, personally and to                             society, as makers, designers, or tradespeople, or scientists or engineers, or                             teachers of other kids who were naturally good at 'making and designing                             things'. Interestingly, and again not surprisingly, 'The Three Rs' hasn't                             always stood for 'Reading, wRiting, and aRithmetic'. One of the superfluous                             literacy Rs stood alternatively for 'Wroughting' and/or 'Wrighting'.                             'Wroughting' is an old word for shaping and forming things with a hammer, as in                             wrought iron, which later came to mean 'making things' generally, derived                             earlier from old English meaning work. The word 'wrighting' also means making                             things, or building things, and designing and manufacturing things too, as in                             the word shipwright - a builder of ships. This word derives from old English,                             wryhta, from Germanic, wyrhta, also meaning work. And so maybe a new more                             progressive modern-day interpretation of 'The Three Rs' should be one which is                             probably not new at all, attributed seemingly first to a politician and                             one-time Lord Mayor of London, Sir William Curtis in 1795, namely: 'Reading and                             writing, Reckoning and figuring (aRithmetic), and wRoughting and wrighting' -                             in short perhaps: Reading, wRroughting, and aRithmetic.
RTFM
Read The Flipping Manual. Original computer-speak that has                             now established itself in everyday language and is used to point out the                             obvious solution to anyone complaining that they are unable to operate a                             modern-day appliance such as TV, burglar alarm, dishwasher, etc) using purely                             intuitive methods. (Thanks to L Lawrie and many others for pointing out this                             omission.)
RTQ2
Read The Question Twice. A very useful reminder for                             text-based exams of all sorts, notably multiple choice tests, to help avoid                             making silly mistakes when the answer is known but given incorrectly due to                             rushing and misreading the question. (Thanks D Ward)
RTFQ2
Read The Flipping Question Twice. Polite version of more                             emphatic twist on RTQ2, which is perhaps appropriate for folk who                             require telling twice. Where the answer is not known, no matter how many times                             you read the flipping question, the WAG tactic is a                             reasonable option. (Thanks A Wilkins)
RUB
Rich Urban Biker. Another amusing demographics social                             category acronym. See also GLAM, HOPEFUL, DINKY, ORCHID, etc
7S
Skills, Strategy, Structure, Style, Systems, Staff, Shared                             values. The McKinsey organizations's famous 7S model for organizational                             culture, analysis and development. The idea is that the first six S's combine                             to form the seventh: 'shared values' (Ack S Dockerill)
S2D2 (SSDD)
Same Stuff Different Day. Toned down version. This motto of                             the downtrodden has been around for decades. If your work really makes you feel                             this way then perhaps it's time to suggest a few changes or move on. We are all                             here on this Earth only once (depening on your religious outlook) - whatever, life is too short to waste it doing a job that you hate. And if you are                             managing people who feel S2D2 about their jobs then for                             goodness sake do someting about it. A free SSDD colour                             poster is available from the free businessballs                             posters page for anyone suffering in a S2D2 organisation and wishing to give a bit of free feedback to the hierarchy. And                             if you are a CEO and see a few SSDD posters appearing                             around the place then perhaps ask yourself why. It's not the people who are bad                             - it's the organisation, and that's down to you mate. The                             S2D2 mathematical acronym interpretation may well have                             first been suggested by author Tom Clancy (Ack V O'Grady and L D Gray) - if you                             know more please contact us .
SABENA
Such A Bad Experience, Never Again. This now widely                             applicable acronym was seemingly pioneered by Belgian people, referring, in                             English interestingly, to the Belgian Sabena airline company (which for the                             record was properly titled 'Societe Anonyme Belge d'Exploitation de la                             Navigation Aerienne'). See also DELTA. (Ack Anon and M) Other airline-based acronyms .
SABU
Self Adjusting Balls Up. The problem will work itself out                             (thanks F Lawton). The acronym reminds us that many crisis situations become                             less of a crisis given time and tolerance.
SADFAB
Single And Desperate For A Baby. Modern demographics acronym,                             reflecting changing times. The world is becoming a lonelier place                             seemingly.
SAL
Suburban Asset Lightweight. Demographic acronym, representing                             not so well-off people who regard themselves as 'middle class', according to                             the Future Foundation, accounting for 1.84m of the UK population (May 2006),                             and the bottom 20% according to monetary worth.
SATs
Stupid Ass Test(s). Ironic and wholly understandable                             misinterpretation of the many different possible 'correct' original meanings of                             the SAT/SATs acronym, referring to the controversial testing systems in                             school-children's education, US and UK, particularly so in the UK. In America                             the SAT testing system has been known by various full names, beginning with Scholastic Aptitude Test, changing later to Scholastic Assessment                             Test, and now (2009) seemingly called the SAT Reasoning Test, in                             which the actual meaning of the 'SAT' element seems no longer defined, and                             technically produces a full term containing the word 'Test' two times, for                             example 'Scholastic Assessment Test Reasoning Test', nonsense deliciously                             ironic given the context. In the UK the situation is even more confusing, both                             in terms of the meaning of the SAT acronym, and aptly, the meaning and value of                             the entire testing regime, which has done for a generation of British children                             what our great leaders have in the same period for world peace (see FUCT ). No one seems to know why SATs are so called                             in the UK. Possible origins include Standard Assessment Tasks, Statutory Assessment Tests, Standard Attainment Tests, and Standard Assessment Tests, and any of the several US interpretations                             which perhaps provided the misguided inspiration for the wonderful UK notion                             that it is possible to improve something merely by measuring the hell out of                             it. Aside from all this, the abbreviation SAT has probably one of the longest                             lists of various possible different meanings of all TLA s. Other SAT acronyms may refer to, for example: Science And Technology - Sorry About That - Substance Abuse                             Treatment - Self-Assessment Test/Tool - Systems Approach to                             Training - Security Awareness Training - Site Acceptance                             Test/Testing (thanks DC, see also FAT )                             - Surgery, Anesthesiology and Trauma - Suspended Acoustic Tile -                             and many more. The lesson is to seek clarification whenever you see the acronym                             used, because it could mean just about anything.
SCART
Syndicat des Constructeurs d'Appareils Radiorécepteurs at                             Téléviseurs. It must be said that this acronym is here for                             interest rather than humour. It's a good quiz question, especially if you                             insist on the accents over the letter e's. It's also an example of an acronym                             entering everyday language whose origins are unknown by 99.99% of the                             population. A SCART cable or lead is of course the 21-pin device for linking TV                             and audio and video equipment, developed from the French standards group                             represented by the root words above, (thanks M Andrews). Alternatively (thanks                             H Jones) one of the more amusing ironic translations of SCART is Something                             Clever And Really Technical.
SCUBA
Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus. Classic                             acronym now established as a word in the language, and another good acronym for                             quizzes, (ack KBS). A wonderful contribution from Tim Boyd suggests an amusing                             alternative SCUBA interpretation, from a diving instructor in Hawaii, who                             suggests that the 'real' meaning of SCUBA is Swimmer Comes Up Barely                             Alive, which is a lot more fun than the technical origin. The diving                             instructor apparently trades as 'Charlie Dolphun'. Anyone able to shed any                             light on his true identity for proper attribution please let me know .
SCAMPER
Substitute, Combine, Add/Adapt, Modify/Maximize/Minimize, Put to                             other uses, Eliminate, Rearrange/Reverse. Useful model/process for                             brainstorming and creative/problem-solving activities. (Thanks A Almaliah)
SCRIM
Shape, Colour, Registration, Identifying features, Make & model. Acronym for identifying vehicles involved in incidents, used by UK                             forces and services staff.
SECAM
Systeme Electronique Couleur Avec Memoire. The French                             virtual-equivalent to the UK-originated PAL TV                             broadcast standard, alternatively and amusingly known as System Essentially                             Contrived (from the) American Method, or perhaps more fittingly as System Essentially Contrary (to the) American Method, both probably                             originating from early US TV engineers who developed the forerunning US NTSC standard. The notion that the                             SECAM system probably owes less to the Americans than to the British method is                             lost, since although 'Anglican Method' fits the acronym more accurately, it                             would have entirely different connotations.... (Ak DH and Mike)
SEP
Someone Else's Problem. Originally from Hitchiker's Guide To                             The Galaxy; now in wider use: eg., customer service applications,                             inter-departmental negotiations as to ownership of issues and follow-up, etc.                             (Ack P Resheph)
SHIT
Ship High In Transit. This is a hoax bacronym which somebody somewhere created a                             while ago around which is built a convoluted story supposedly but entirely                             wrongly claiming to account for the etymology of the 'shit' swear word. See the shit entry in the cliches                             and words origins page. Alternatively (thanks A Smith) SHIT is an amusingly                             ironic bacronym in the business and training world standing for Special High                             Intensity Training.
SHOT IT
Should Have Ordered This In Time. Customer services and                             despatch expression, especially appropriate approaching department close-down                             for weekends, holidays, Christmas, etc., and a personal reminder not to leave                             things until the last moment.
SIAM
Sexual Intercourse At Midnight. Acronym bedfellow, so to                             speak, of BURMA , (thanks A Sanderson). Completely                             unrelated to the acronym interpretation, Siam is now Thailand (since 1939), and                             was birthplace (and thereby terminology derivation) of the original Siamese                             twins Chang and Eng Bunker (1811-74), brothers joined at the chest and by a                             fused liver. Interestingly Chang and Eng remained joined until their death,                             which was within hours of each other; apparently Eng woke one morning to                             discover Chang had died in the night, and Eng died of shock as a result, after                             refusing to be separated. It's easy to write and read casually about this now,                             but can you imagine the traumatic scene? Very strange. More intriguingly they                             both married (two different women) and fathered respectively ten and eleven                             children. Seemingly after a few initial relationship problems they sustained                             their respective marriages by alternating joint attendance (excuse the pun)                             between their two homes (and wives) every three days. Perhaps fewer modern                             marriages would fail if more people tried this sort of arrangement.
SID
Standard IDiot test. A risk reduction technique vital to the                             process of producing good instructions and user manuals, etc., whereby a                             non-expert layperson is shown the (proposed) instructions for a particular                             operation, to check whether the instructions actually enable understanding of                             the task/procedure and achievement of the desired result. SID checks should for                             example be part of the development of instructions for flat pack furniture,                             computer systems, and increasingly complex household equipment like TVs.                             Ignoring the need for a SID check tends to result in lots of impossible treeswings , square-wheeled bikes, and very many                             frustrated users/customers. Standard Idiot Test obviously translates as SIT,                             but SID is a more fun. The acronym is also a useful analogy for any initiative                             which would benefit from practical testing instead of relying on theoretical                             assumption. (Thanks A Allen)
SIM
Subscriber Identification Module/Subscriber Identity Module. The former is the exact technical origin according to the OED. This is the                             little-known full meaning of SIM, as in SIM card. Also SIM is text-speak for Sorry I'm Late, and more amusingly/disgustingly, (having a little) Sick In Mouth, as when burping or nearly vomitting.
SINA
Safety Is No Accident. Acronym of the clever double-meaning                             maxim from USA industry for health and safety training and promotion. (Ack P                             Lock)
SINBAD
Single Income No Boyfriend And Desperate. Demographics                             acronym from the Bridget Jones era. (Ack. John)
SINOAP
Solution In Need Of A Problem. Acronym describing any                             pointlessly over-engineered gadget, system or service for which no real or                             meaningful demand exists: a sledgehammer to crack a nut, or a sales-centred                             approach to relationships. SINOAP represents push and persuade, rather than                             facilitate and enable; it reminds us of the importance of understanding and                             empathy. SINOAP is a also product or service designed from the supplier's                             perspective rather than from the customer's view. The acronym warns against                             inappropriate marketing or selling, where the proposition fits the supplier's                             or sales-person's needs (for profit, sales quota, commission, etc) but not the                             needs of the potential customer. (ack J Tallon)
SISO
Sign In Sod Off. An acronym said to be used by certain                             British MEPs (Members of the European Parliament) in referring to their £180 daily attendance expenses allowance system. If true this is indeed                             nice work if you can get it, although the likelihood is that most MEPs and MPs                             are good people doing a good job. I would welcome clarification, confirmation,                             or denial of this slur on the integrity of those who presume to represent us.                             Aside from the MEP rumour, SISO is an excellent illustration of the attitude                             displayed by certain people (often in fortunate positions) who are more                             interested in what they can take from work than give to it. The uproar over UK                             parliamentary expenses (May 2009) demonstrates well that usually chickens one                             day come home to roost, and that whether such behaviour is human nature, within                             the rules, or largely a fuss created by schadenfreude -obsessed                             media - there is usually a personal price to pay for a monetary or material gain which has been extracted in less than wholly ethical ways. Karma - or we                             might say, the natural inevitable law of cause and effect - bites yer bum.
SITCOM
Single Income Two Children Oppressive Mortgage. For consumer                             customer profiling, Maslow Hierarchy of Needs examples, etc. Sitcom, meaning                             situation comedy, is in itself a 'made-up' portmanteau word (ack Noor).                             Alternatively SITCOM might be interpreted more desperately as Single Income                             Three Children 0 Money (thanks B Gardiner).
SKI-ing
Spending the Kids' Inheritance. Antidote acronym to KIPPERS.                             (Ack JW)
SLA
Service Level Agreement. A remarkably simple and effective                             mechanism for ensuring good working or trading relationships, typically between                             customer and supplier, but also between departments, partners or any parties                             co-operating to achieve a consistent result. A Service Level Agreement                             establishes mutually understood and acceptable expectations between two or more                             parties, for instance, quotation request response times; breakdown service                             response time; chargeable and non-chargeable support items. SLA's are useful                             also in establishing co-operation between departments, in order to maintain                             quality, efficiency and supply chain or order flow service quality, for                             instance complaint escalation timescales; survey requests; pricing requests,                             anything where one party expects something of another. There is no limit to the                             number of SLA's that can be established, although recording and publishing them                             in a sensible format are essential or they won't be observed. (SLA also stands                             for Strategic Link Analysis, the process which measures a website's search                             engine rating by virtue of the number and type of links to it from other                             websites.) See also trading agreements and                             templates .
SLAGIATT
Seemed Like A Good Idea At The Time. An amusing, informal and                             critical reference, used mainly when summarising a misguided or poorly managed                             venture. Typically found at the end of written reports, or heard uttered in                             hand-wringing disaster review meetings, about actions, events, initiatives,                             etc., which are subsequently found to be ineffective, damaging, embarrassing,                             etc. The acronym originated sometime towards the end of the 20th century. As an                             example and training pointer towards planning/management ineptitude, the                             expression sits very nicely alongside the famous 'Six Phases of a Project' ironic model of organizational incompetence, and the wonderful OSINTOT acronym. (Thanks M Fletcher)
SLEPT
Social, Legal, Economic, Political, Technological. 'SLEPT                             analysis' is a business review method similar to PEST or SWOT for assessing                             factors enabling or obstructing the business's performance, and typically its                             development potential.
 
SMART
Specific, Measurable, Agreed, Realistic, Time-bound. If                             you're setting a standard, or an objective for yourself, or agreeing an                             objective with another person, the task or standard must meet these criteria to                             be effective. The same applies to communications which urge some sort of action                             or change by the audience/listener/reader. See for example the SMART planner                             template , for which more detailed explanation exists on the delegation page. Other interpretations of the                             SMART acronym exist, for example Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant,                             Time-bound. The version which includes 'agreed' is arguably more powerful                             because this represents the emotional contract with whomever is expected to                             meet the objective or standard. The SMARTER version below is more powerful and                             relevant for the moden world because it includes the essential philosophical                             aspect. Avoid interpretations that include both Achievable and Realistic                             because the words effectly mean the same so is a waste of a word. (See the Smartie Hunt                             team building game and MMM acronym.) See the different SMART and SMARTER                             posters on the posters page .                             Other words are used for depending on the situation, listed in the SMARTER                             entry. The SMART acronym/model is often very effective in conjunction with the AIDA communications model .
 
SMARTER
Specific, Measurable, Agreed, Realistic, Time-bound, Ethical,                             Recorded. The deluxe version of the SMART acronym, a blueprint for all                             objectives and responsibilities, especially delegation, for oneself or when                             agreeing objectives, tasks and projects with others. Traditional                             interpretations of the SMARTER acronym use 'Exciting' or 'Enjoyable' instead of                             'Ethical', but in a delegation context, let's face it, it is not always                             possible to ensure that all delegated work is 'exciting' for the recipient.                             Whereas the 'Ethical' aspect is fundamentally important for everything that we                             do, assuming you subscribe to such philosophy. See the different SMART and                             SMARTER posters on the posters page .                             Other words may be substituted depending on the situation, although if doing so consider the need to avoid overlapping or duplicated meanings, for example                             Achievable is arguably the same as Realistic in this context, and so it's not                             sensible to include these two words together in the same rendition the                             acronym's meaning. Other words occasionally substituted include: Significant,                             Simple, Stretching; Meaningful, Motivational, Manageable; Attainable,                             Achievable, Appropriate, Actionable, Ambitious, Assignable, Action-oriented;                             Relevant, Results-focused/oriented, Resourced, Rewarding;                             Time-framed/based, Timely, Timed, Timetabled, Trackable, Tangible;                             Evaluated, Enjoyable; Rewarded, Rewarding.
SME
Small to Medium Enterprise/Small and Medium Enterprise(s). A                             term widely used in the UK and English-speaking Europe, and notably                             institutions such as the World Bank and European Union, SME refers to a                             business of (loosely) up to 250 employees and a turnover up to £10-50m or                             Euros. The term is often pluralised - SMEs - equating logically to Small and                             Medium Enterprises. The terminology is popular among business executives,                             marketing folk, politicians and economists. Marketing people use the term a lot                             in referring to targeting and profiling of market sectors, and in reporting                             commercial statistics and performance. From a marketing and advertising                             perspective, the SME market sector is notoriously difficult to target, measure                             and reach, because it is vast, highly fragmented, fast-changing, and relatively                             poorly analysed and reported, even within a single vertical sector . In other                             words, not much is known about the precise composition of the SME market,                             especially compared with the large corporate market, which requires far more                             data about the corporations (size, structures, activities, personnel,                             financials, etc) to be made public and transparent. In 2012 various European                             standard-makers began considering more precise and consistent definitions for                             the SME term, aimed at defining levels within the SME range, typically called:                             'micro-businesses' (loosely up to 10 employees), 'small businesses' (loosely up                             to 50 employees), and 'medium-sized businesses' (loosely up to 250 employees).                             In the US the term is usually SMB - Small and Medium Business(es). The German                             equivalent is 'mittlestand' (which also refers to a family-owned business).                             Terminology and definitions vary in many countries outside of Europe, so it is                             rather difficult to imagine a time when SME/SMB means precisely the same thing                             all around the world.
SMEAC
Situation, Mission, Execution, Administration (and logistics),                             Command (and signals/communications). This is an excellent well-established                             model for task/project management used by the military, and is very                             transferable and useful elsewhere. It is a proven process for delegating and                             managing a task or project, especially involving a large group of people in                             different locations, with complex resources and system support. SMEAC offers an                             additional (and potentially bigger) approach alongside the SMART delegation models. See also delegation . In more detail, SMEAC is:
Situation - Consider, interpret, convey all relevant                                 background information - often useful to cover 'why'.
Mission - Clarify aim or purpose of the action - 'what' are we trying to achieve? - ideally including some measurable                                 targets/outcomes/deliverables.
Execution - Decide and define how the action/project is to                                 be performed - - keyword is 'how' - the strategic and tactical methods,                                 process, responsibilities.
Administration and logistics - Establish organizational                                 systems for recording and managing information, resources and activities - and                                 ensure all supporting materials and equipment are planned and available when                                 and where required.
Command and signals/communications - Crucially this                                 element details the responsibilities and connections, especially communications methods, from leadership, to and through managerial and team-leading roles, to                                 enable effective coordination and group understanding, awareness, and                                 successful working to achieve the stated aim. (Thanks M Green)
SMOP
Simple Matter Of Programming. SMOP (acknowledgements to D                             Hall) is typically used in an IT or ITC context, but the principle extends                             widely: SMOP is a deserved dig at those who make commitments while ignoring the                             implications (workload) arising for other people. For example when a project                             manager casually tells a customer "Oh, that's just a Simple Matter Of                             Programming," when in fact the commitment entails considerable work for the                             programmer, who has not even been consulted and must then somehow absorb the                             additional work into normal hours. SMOP is a more impactful acronym than the                             full OTJASMOP (Oh, That's Just A Simple Matter Of Programming), although the                             long version does have a certain ring to it if you can remember it. SMOP - or                             OTJASMOP - is also a common tendency among sales people (or those acting in                             that role, like interfering CEOs), who, eager to clinch a deal or to satisfy a                             complaint, make promises which cause a lot of extra work for someone else in                             the delivery team which is not budgeted or recoverable. In such cases SMOP                             might be adapted - and can serve as an excellent illustration of negligence and                             poor decision-making in communications, management, etc., for example:
SMOR - "Oh that's just a Simple Matter Of                                 Re-engineering/Re-design/Re-wording/etc.."
SMOP - "Oh that's just a Simple Matter Of                                 Process/Production/Procedure/etc.."
SMOD - "Oh that's just a Simple Matter Of                                 Definition/Delivery/Distribution/Discipline/etc.."
SMOCTS - "Oh that's just a Simple Matter Of                                 Changing The Specification/Schedule/.."
SMOCAFS - "Oh that's just a Simple Matter Of Cracking A                                 Few Skulls.." (the autocrat's maxim)
SMOPWAFF - "Oh that's just a Simple Matter Of Playing                                 With A Few Figures.." (the banker's maxim)
SMS
Short Messaging Service/Short Message Service. SMS (texting)                             generally refers to the sending of text messages from one mobile phone to                             another mobile phone or several other phones. The meaning of the SMS                             abbreviation seems obvious when you know it, but as with many common                             abbreviations, many people don't know or remember the derivation and would                             struggle to guess. It's a loose term however and is liable to alter in reach                             and application over time. For example text messaging which connects mobile                             telephony with computer/internet is also called SMS. This is ironic given that                             (probably) the first ever 'SMS text message' was sent by computer to a phone,                             not phone to phone (the famous "Merry Christmas" message, Neil Papworth [Sema                             Group, later Mavenir Systems] to Richard Jarvis [Vodafone] in 1992, UK). The                             merging of television and smartphone/computer/internet technologies inevitably                             further broadens possible use of SMS technology and its describing terminology.                             Incidentally SMS texting provides a wonderful analogy for explaining and                             teaching business/product/market development, notably its unpredictable and                             uncontrollable nature: During the early 2000s SMS text messaging became the                             most widely used electronic 'data application' in the world. The (2012                             approximate) numbers are hard to imagine: over 200,000 messages every second;                             over 12 million every minute; about 20 billion every day; and between 6-7                             trillion in a year, producing revenues for the phone companies of more than                             $120bn per year, which is in the region of the gross domestic product of a                             country such as Vietnam, Hungary, Iraq, New Zealand, or Ukraine. The lesson for                             business development and marketing people is that nobody saw a remote                             possibility for such a vast industry when the technology was first devised and                             made available. What made it happen, despite its basically very clumsy and                             limited functionality, was millions of people who found it useful. There was no                             advertising, no flashy branding or packaging; it just grew. It will grow even                             more in the shape of Multimedia Message Services (MMS), which will become                             another very big story no doubt.
SNAFU
Situation Normal - All Fouled Up. Obviously this is the more                             polite version, included here because of its historical interest. The acronym                             is from the second world war, when widely used by the Americans forces, and                             incidentally later used as name by 1970s UK rock band, SNAFU, obviously                             (incidentally the 1970s band was British not American as previously stated here                             - thanks for correction M Reynolds). SNAFU Remains a widely used description by                             front-line staff of an incompetent management. See the wonderful wall picture showing the SNAFU and AEOBE acronyms .
SNAG
Sensitive New-Age Guy. Demographics acronym and dating                             term.
SNEFN
Sub-Normal Even For Norfolk. Medical notes shorthand. Other                             counties/towns are routinely substituted. An adapted extension of NFN . (Thanks RW)
SNERT
Snot-Nosed Egotistical Rude Teenager. Demographics acronym of                             sorts.
SOAR/SOARR
Situation, Opportunity, Action, Result, (Reflect). Action-based mnemonic with sound principles. Apparently favoured by the Royal                             Mail. (Ack M Andrews)
SOB
Shortness Of Breath/Souls On Board. The nursing/healthcare                             acronym SOB, meaning Shortness Of Breath, is a commonly used medical                             abbreviation when writing patient histories. I am informed (thanks DC) that the                             abbreviation is also occasionally doubled-up for amusing effect to describe a                             particularly obnoxious patient with the complaint, i.e., SOB - SOB, on the                             basis that SOB additionally and more crudely means Son Of a Bitch. Quite                             separately SOB represents the international standard maritime and aeronautical                             term Souls On Board, which in the context of                             safety/accountability/emergencies, has for many years been the official                             terminology for the total number of people, including all passengers and crew,                             on board the vessel. The use of the word 'souls' originated in the maritime                             industry, where 'Save Our Souls' - derived from the morse code distress signal SOS - is an earlier long-standing term,                             originating around 1905. While 'souls' is seemingly an archaic term, it is                             commonly and logically suggested that 'souls' remains the best word for                             reliably and consistently referring to the number of people on board, because                             other word possibilities (people, passengers, bodies, persons, etc) may have                             confusing or different technical meanings, moreover 'souls' is the quickest                             shortest word and code option.
SOGI
Senior Officer's Good Idea. Sardonic and amusing acronym from                             the military and emergency services. (See also WAGII - thanks Mick Whelan)
SOHO
Small Office/Home Office. Acronym expression for the 'virtual                             office' environment and characteristics found in self-employed and small                             businesses, that are increasingly prevalent in the modern business age.
SONAR
SOund NAvigation and Ranging. The SONAR acronym, which                             typically describes anti-submarine underwater detection technology, originated                             as an American term in World War II. The SONAR acronym, a natural sister                             expression to RADAR (neither is strictly a true acronym, more an abbreviation)                             like RADAR entered the language as a word in its own right many years ago. The                             British equivalent of SONAR, was ASDICS, which stood for Anti-Submarine                             Detection Investigation Committee. It is easy to see why the SONAR version was                             preferred.
SONTTAP
Say Only Nice Things To All People. Devised originally for                             school-children, this acronym touches on a fundamental principle for peace of                             mind and a happy fulfilled life. See particularly The Four Agreements by Don                             Miguel Ruiz (agreement 1 - Be impeccable with your word), also links to                             Buddhism, NLP, etc. (Ack Anstey Latimer School)
SOS
Save Our Souls. The traditional international distress signal                             - a request for help in an emergency - originally transmitted in morse code by                             mariners in peril, later extending in use to endangered folk anywhere (for                             example scratching 'SOS' in the sand if marooned on an island, or spelling                             'SOS' in stones, clothes, etc., on a mountainside). The SOS protocol became                             increasingly standardized internationally from about 1905. SOS was actually                             first established as the morse code signal ...---... [expressed in words] 'dot                             dot dot dash dash dash dot dot dot', or 'dit dit dit dah dah dah dit dit dit')                             because the code signal was quick, simple, and distinctly recognizable. The                             'Save Our Souls' meaning was applied afterwards, and has alternatively less                             correctly been interpreted as 'Save Our Ship'. The SOS signal was replaced as                             the international standard in 1999 by a vastly more complex and relatively                             incomprehensible computerized system called Global Maritime Distress and Safety                             System (producing the very dry abbreviation GMDSS). For separate interest see                             also the 'Mayday' emergency                             call word origin , and SOB (Souls On Board) .
SOSTAC®
Situation analysis, Objectives, Strategy, Tactics, Action,                             Control. SOSTAC® is a business marketing                             planning system developed by writer and speaker PR Smith in the 1990s. A summary of the SOSTAC® model is here . Contrary to popular thinking,                             SOSTAC® is a protected trademark owned by the                             originator PR Smith, whom you can find at prsmith.org. As with any protected                             intellectual property the use of SOSTAC® methods and                             materials in the provision of training and development is likely to be subject                             to licensing conditions. If in doubt ask the IP owner. (Thanks PR Smith and T                             Rowe)
SPAM
Stupid Pathetic Annoying Messages. A reverse acronym for the modern age, here                             the word spam refers to unwanted bulk messages or postings typically via                             internet technology. The original SPAM®, a trademarked canned meat product,                             is much earlier, named in 1937 following a competition run by its makers,                             Hormel Foods. Hormel corporation apparently have said in the past that SPAM® stood for Shoulder of Pork and Ham, which is contrary to the                             popular myth that SPAM® derives from Spiced Meat and Ham. The                             SPAM® name has attracted numerous more amusing and sarcastic reverse                             acronyms over the years, such as Something Posing As Meat; Spare                             Parts Animal Meat; Specially Processed Artificial Meat; and Stuff, Pork and Ham. There is perhaps no greater accolade than its                             modern association with today's communications, although considering what we                             all think of spam in this sense, perhaps not. (Thanks P Methvin)
SPC
Statistical Process Control. Forerunning quality theory from                             the 1960s to TQC and TQM.
SPECTRUM
Silly People Expect Computers To Replace Useless Managers. At                             the time (16 Apr 2010) of adding this clever bacronym (thanks Barry Johnson,                             Shene Training) this particular interpretation seems not to be known on the                             web, although Barry tells me he heard it on a training course several years                             ago, so it's not new. The sentiment is nevertheless very apt for the modern age                             - training is usually the best way to strengthen management capability, not                             mindless systems and computerisation. The word Spectrum itself is a strong clue                             that the acronym was devised in the earlier days of the computer revolution:                             the Sinclair ZX Spectrum, launched in 1982, was the first UK colour home                             computer, and along with the Commodore 64 and models from BBC and Amstrad,                             effectively moved personal computing into the mainstream and everyday work.                             Incidentally the basic ZX Spectrum machine had a 16KB RAM. It was called                             Spectrum because it offered a colour display. Sinclair, founded by Sir Clive                             Sinclair, also designed and launched the not-so-successful C5 electric                             car-scooter; a lesson that innovation is not a perfect science. Please tell me                             if you know the origin of this acronym.
SPEW
Single Person Evaluation Worksheet. A timesheet, in other                             words. Sarcastic term for a list of activities and times, etc., that you have                             to submit to justify your existence within an organisation. (Thanks R                             Oakley)
SPIN®
Situation, Problem, Implication, Need. One of the most                             enduring selling acronyms, developed by Neil Rackham during the 1970s-80s; the SPIN® Selling model remains a                             mainstay of the (UK/US) Huthwaite  training organizations that he founded. The SPIN® selling process is an extremely popular method for teaching and practising sales discussion with a                             prospective customer. Incidentally Huthwaite actually say 'Need-payoff' instead of 'Need',                             but 'SPINP' just doesn't have the same cachet.. Note                             that the copyright rights in Neil Rackham's book, SPIN Selling, are owned by                             Huthwaite, Inc. Depending upon the geographic territory, the                             rights and sales jurisdictions for   SPIN® and SPIN SELLING® are owned by either                             Huthwaite Inc of the US, or Huthwaite International of the UK.  See SPIN® Selling in the sales training section for more details. SPIN® and SPIN SELLING® methods and materials are not to be used in the                             provision of training and development products and services without a                             licence.
SPOC
Single Point of Contact. Used by the UK MOD (Ministry of                             Defence), apparently, and a useful pointer for anyone considering                             communications strategies in dealings with organizations, especially large                             ones, where having multiple contacts (individuals and/or departments) can                             produce confusion. There are many situations which benefit from multiple                             contacts, for example a customer having access to technical advice, in addition                             to sales information, however, where a relationship is essentially concerned                             with one main channel of information or service, a SPOC arrangement is often                             beneficial, subject of course to ensuring suitable contingency where the SPOC                             is a single person who might be unavailable when required in an emergency, or                             absent through sickness or on holiday. The SPOC acronym is a good example of a                             memorable and meaningful acronym which can be used to convey a helpful point or                             principle during a training session. In this particular case Star Trek's                             'Spock' character comes relevantly and amusingly to mind concerning many ideas                             relating to communications. (Thanks S Thomas)
SPOF
Single Point Of Failure. A useful quality/reliability term,                             or aid to teaching project management and planning, etc., referring to a                             crucially isolated person or process step which were he/she/it to fail then                             disaster would inevitably follow. A reminder that any important process should                             contain checks so that no single point of failure exists. (Thanks C Davis)
SPOH
Safe Pair Of Hands. Describes trustworthy people and                             organizations, especially when valuable and important responsibilities are                             being delegated or awarded. Very modern business-speak, much loved by men in                             suits who use terms like 'a big win' (a new contract) and 'leverage' (being                             able to exploit a situation or aspect of strategy for advantage).
SPOOLA/SPOOLAs
Stripped Pine, Olive Oil, Laura Ashley. A lifestyle and                             demographic-type acronym (thanks J McGovern) from the 1980s referring to a                             certain grouping of aspirational consumers characterised by such product                             choices. The term was more commonly used in its plural form, SPOOLAs, but has                             now largely faded from use with shifting tastes, although olive oil can be                             found in virtually every kitchen nowadays, and so is no more of a demographic                             indicator than stripped pine, which has become something of a rarity. SPOOLA                             people still exist, but the term is no longer a fitting reflection of the                             fashions they follow. I'm open to suggestions of the modern day equivalent                             acronym.
SQ3R
Survey, Question, Read, Recall, Review. Impossible to                             pronounce, but nevertheless a great discipline for the learning-through-reading                             process. It basically means quickly Survey the whole thing (ie look but not in                             detail), next note down your Question areas, then Read it in detail, Recall                             your questions and Review the material you've read. (Ack. Don Clark)
STEM
Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics. In recent                             years this has become a popular and visible representation of targeted                             educational priorities and citizen capabilities, among many groups and                             authorities with varying agendas in the US, UK and elsewhere in the                             English-speaking world. STEM factors for example feature in US immigration                             criteria. STEM 'fields' are seen to improve national competitiveness in the                             global economy, as well as enabling better national progress, innovation,                             efficiency and self-sufficiency. The growing attention on STEM subjects is                             something of a reaction against the trend in recent decades for education and                             certain national economies to have shifted towards 'softer' and 'easier' and                             more 'fashionable' subjects and services sectors, while, according to the STEM                             lobby, there are desperate shortages of skills and people in the vast and vital                             engineering and scientific disciplines. Such disciplines encompass and enable                             highly significant sectors of work, skills, and services, for example                             manufacturing, and development in science and technology, extending to                             inventions of all sorts, and computing and communications in all guises. The                             STEM lobby has probably become bigger since the 2008 financial crisis and                             resulting recession, combined with the growing economic power and                             competitiveness of the BRIC nations (Brazil,                             Russia, India and China) plus Japan and Germany of course, which are all                             traditionally strongly focused on STEM-related skills in education, work, and                             even arguably as a feature of national culture and pride. The STEM acronym is                             therefore interesting not only as an educational term, but also as a revealing                             perspective on very broad international socio-economic theory.
STEPPPA
Subject, Target, Emotion, Perception, Plan, Pace, Adapt/Act. The STEPPPA acronym represents a coaching (notably life-coaching in a business context) model devised                             and advocated by expert coach Angus McLeod, which is now central to much UK                             formal accredited life-coaching training. Based partly on NLP (Neuro-Linguistic                             programming) principles, the STEPPPA process entails:
Subject - validate the subject (the issue or                                 matter) for the person being coached (coachee).
Target - validate or help to establish the specific target (or goal) of the coachee - called target identification.
Emotion - ensure emotion is addressed and resolved                                 relating to the coachee, the issue, and the target, which if appropriate should                                 be re-evaluated.
Perception - widen the perception and choice in the                                 mind of the coachee.
Plan - help the coachee establish a clear plan (process with steps, not choices).
Pace - include pace (timescale and milestones) in                                 the plan - (the two elements of plan and pace can be combined, and are                                 sometimes expressed as P2).
Adapt or Act - review plan, adapt if necessary, before committing to act on the plan (equating to action).
(N.B. STEPPPA is sometimes wrongly shown as STEPPA, reflecting the                             combination of the Plan and Pace elements. I am grateful for the confirmation                             from Angus McLeod                             Associates that STEPPPA is the correct form.)
ST FAGOS
Sod This For A Game Of Soldiers. Saint Fagos - the Patron                             Saint of thankless tasks. When you next hear someone utter the oath, 'For the                             love of St Fagos...', while struggling with a pointless report or piece of daft                             analysis, you will know what they mean. Also St Fagoc - conkers instead of                             soldiers... (Ack T Beecroft) A suggested origin of the 'game of soldiers'                             phrase (ack R Brookman) is as an old English and slang name for the game of                             darts, seemingly used in Yorkshire. See sod this for a game of                             soldiers in the cliches origins page. If you know more or better about the                             origin of this phrase please tell me .
STIO/SIO
SupraTentorial in Origin. Nurses' and Doctors' healthcare                             acronym. Supratentorial means above the neck, so the acronym is a covert way to                             say that the illness is all in the imagination. (Ack LR)
STM
Skill, Task, Measure. The classic process for developing                             skills in people: identify the Skill, agree a Task for the                             trainee to perform that will involve using the skill, and then Measure                             the performance, ie the trainee's command of the skill.
SUCCESS
Sense of direction, Understanding, Courage, Charity, Esteem,                             Self-confidence, Self-acceptance. Wonderful acronym devised by American                             plastic surgeon, writer, and advocate of cybernetics , Maxwell Maltz (1899-1975), who asserted                             that these listed qualities feature in the attitudes and thinking of successful                             personalities. Maltz was intrigued that many of his patients achieved increased                             self-esteem following plastic surgery to correct a significant bodily defect,                             whereas other people's feelings of inferiority persisted despite improvement to                             their physical being. Maltz explained his ideas in his 1960 book                             Psycho-Cybernetics.
SUMO
Shut Up Move On. Now a trademark associated with motivational                             speaker and author Paul McGee ('The SUMO Guy'), the SUMO acronym is a powerful                             maxim for a positive successful approach to life and work. SUMO has strong                             connections with the Transactional Analysis and NLP principles of                             self-reliance, emotional maturity, and focus on future not blame. See also FIDO .
SVM
Silicon Valley Management. Modern management style pioneered                             by David Packard and William Hewlett, HP founders, and other successful US                             companies based in the area of California known as Silicon Valley (so called                             after the silicon chips, central to the computer industries) including                             principles such as MBWA (Management By Walking Around), MBO's (Management By                             Objectives) and Open Door Policy/Management. See also MBWA.
SWMBO ('swambo')
She Who Must Be Obeyed. The theoretical partner acronym HWMBO                             has for some reason never really caught on... (Ack. D Pagett)
SWAG
Scientific Wild Arsed Guess. This is ideal for those                             situations when someone can't bring themselves to come up with an opening                             estimate, even though they're the best placed person to do so. Great for                             encouraging technical/detailed/finisher people who might be uncomfortable with                             the vagueness of the start of the creative process. WAG = shortened less                             scientific form. (Ack. Don Clark)
SWALK
Sealed With A Loving Kiss. A kind of wartime envelope text message to a loved one. (See also HOLLAND, EGYPT, CHIP, ITALY and NORWICH)
SWAN
Sell What's Available Now. Sales acronym from 1970s or                             perhaps earlier, the purpose of which is to encourage and remind sales staff to                             sell products or services which the sales company has within its range (or                             current stock), rather than selling solutions (or raising customer expectations                             for them) which do not actually yet exist, or are out of stock. (Thanks C                             Cassidy)
SWOT
Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats. Famous                             marketing analysis headings acronym, and actually a very useful framework for                             interpreting and explaining business situations. See the free SWOT analysis template and                             examples , and free SWOT                             exercise team building game . See also the PEST                             acronym . Use either or both in business presentations to impress and                             convince your audience that you know a bit about marketing.
SWSWSWN
Some Will, Some Won't, So What, Next.. A maxim used in motivation and training / coaching in the selling and cold-calling professions, and applicable far more widely, for example starting your own business . The word 'some' refers to prospective new customers, or  people you attempt to recruit or motivate in pursuit of any cause or venture.  'Will/won't' refers to whether people decide to buy from you or not, or join/follow you in some other way. 'So what' is an acceptance of a central  philosophy of selling, business, and motivating others, i.e., that more people say no than yes.  'Next' means move on, notably when someone says no. This wonderful  expression/acronym is the invention of Welsh businessman Neville Wilshire, whose Swansea call-centre achieved fame when featured in a BBC TV fly-on-the-wall series in the 2010s. The SWSWSWN maxim became one of Wilshire's main catch-phrases. The philosophy underpinning the SWSWSWN maxim is actually fundamental to most forms of business:  not everyone will become a customer, but some people will if you approach enough prospects, and so the real issue is enthusiastically  communicating your offerings to  people and markets, rather than dwelling on lost sales, or folk who are not interested. The maxim particularly warns against   adopting a negativity which can undermine sales people and businesses (or indeed anyone attempting to recruit/convert/persuade others to an action or decision) when success is difficult to achieve. SWSWSWN is therefore a maxim for persistence and determination - in anything  demanding sustained effort to overcome rejections, obstacles, and mistakes along the way.
TAPES
Technique And Practice (or Pressure) Equals Skill. Technique                             alone is not enough. Application of a new technique in a practice or pressure                             situation is required to turn the technique into a skill and then improve                             it.
TANSTAAFL
There Ain't No Such Thing As A Free Lunch. A double negative,                             but who cares - it's a great acronym. For anyone who needs reminding of the                             realities of the business world. (Ack Dr Neale Roney.) For detail of the origin                             of TANSTAAFL see the entry in the cliches origins section.
TARDIS
Time And Relative Dimensions In Space. Dr Who's company car,                             so to speak. I can confirm that it is 'Dimensions' not 'Dimension'. This begs                             the follow-up question as to whether the Dimensions are relative to each other                             or to time, or to both, or to something entirely different. Apparently this is                             complicated, as one would expect. Essentially it means (probably) that the                             Dimensions In Space are relative to each other, and perhaps also this refers to                             the fact that the TARDIS time machine was a lot bigger on the inside than the                             outside - because the inside and outside were in different spatial dimensions                             (thanks S &D Hiscoke). I welcome further speculation about this just as                             much as unequivocal confirmation. Please feel free to get in touch .
TATT
Tired All The Time. (ODSA). Great for dead products,                             over-used ideas, lazy employees, old dogmas and philosophies, the list goes                             on....
TAWSUTA
That's Another Week Shot Up the Arse. For fatalists and                             weekend lovers, an elegant and amusing alternative to POETS day . I should clarify that's lovers of                             weekends, not lovers who get together at the weekend. (Thanks D Hornby)
TBL (or 3BL)
Triple Bottom Line. The modern criteria for sustainable                             organisational and business success: the Triple Bottom Line - Profit, People,                             Planet. TBL (or 3BL) is fast                             becoming a highly significant and influential factor in the success of                             businesses and organisations. While the robustness of '3BL accounting'                             principles are still subject to much debate, there is no doubt that customers                             and staff are increasingly aware, and expect ever more, in terms of corporate                             responsibility and all that it extends to: business ethics, social and                             community responsibility, environmental sustainability, fair trade, etc.                             Organisations which understand and incorporate TBL principles into their fabric                             and behaviour are therefore more likely to thrive and grow, assuming staff and                             customers continue to assess and make decisions about supplirs and employers                             from a 'triple bottom line' perspective.
T-CUP
Total Control Under Pressure. Acronym to emphasise the need                             for concentration and focus, alternatively interpreted as Think Correctly                             Under Pressure, or Thinking Clearly Under Pressure, which according                             to interviews are versions used by the England rugby coaching staff, notably                             during their 2003 Rugby World Cup success.
 
TEAM
Together Everyone Achieves More. A simple truth, and a great                             acronym for training and team building. (Thanks C Keeble). Alternatively Teach                             Everyone About Motivation. (Thanks  M Andrews). And here's a very amusing and useful ironic meaning, which  can illustrate  many aspects of 'non-team play' - for example competitiveness, individual need, ambition,  selfishness, greed, etc: Totally Engaged in Assisting Myself. (Thanks M Pascoe). The counter-positioning of the two 'TEAM' interpretations - Together Everyone Achieves More vs Totally Engaged in Assisting Myself -  offer an interesting  way to explain/discuss/present the concept of teamwork/teamplay, etc., and how in reality people's responses and approaches to the ideas of teamworking are actually subject to huge variation,  depending on circumstances and personalities, especially reconciling real personal pressures and needs with the demands and aims of the group and wider situation.
TEETH
Tried Everything Else?..Try Homeopathy. Another ODSA, but                             perfectly admissable outside the medical arena, such as counselling or stress                             training. Also good for sales and marketing campaigns that never seem to                             work.
TED
Tell me, Explain to me, Describe to me.. Selling and                             communications (specifically questioning) acronym reminding sales people to ask                             customers open questions, which gather helpful information about the customer's                             requirements and needs. Open questions typically begin with what, how, which,                             when, who, why, and the TED phrases, and are used for gather information and                             building rapport (which is dependent on good listening). Closed questions,                             which generally prompt yes or no answers, typically begin with phrases such as:                             Is it..?, Do you..?, Have you..?, Are they..?, etc., and are used for filtering                             (determining the relevance or 'fit' of customer/offering) and for closing (for                             example, 'Would you like to go ahead...?') and for gaining commitment ('Do you                             the xyz aspect...?') and for clarification ('Do you mean in the next week or                             the next month...?). Sales people (and many other professional communicators)                             often use closed questions when they should be using open questions, and so TED                             is a very useful reminder. The TED questions, which for politeness can be                             prefaced with the words 'Can you please...' are especially effective when                             questioning senior capable people who are happy and comfortable to speak at                             length in giving a long explanation to a very short question. See questioning on the sales training                             page. See empathy also, for help with listening and                             building rapport and trust, and for diffusing conflict. (Thanks C Cassidy for                             TED)
TEPID
Tastes Expensive, Pension Inadequate, Dammit. Alternative to                             HOPEFUL.
TESOL
Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. At first                             glance this acronym is only of use if you are involved in teaching English as a                             foreign language. There are other applications however, for example, to                             emphasise the need for technicians and bureaucrats to use plain English in                             writing technical manuals and instructions for users. Aternatively (ack LC) TEFL = Teaching English as a Foreign Language.
TGIF
Thank God It's Friday. (Ack E Swietlik) Polite and probably                             US version of the English 'POETS day'                             expression , and later adopted as a brand name for the TGI-Friday's American                             themed restaurant-bar chain founded in New York in 1965. TGIF also prompted the                             crude adaptation 'TFI Friday' name of Chris Evans' boundary-breaking 1990s UK                             Friday evening TV show.
THICK
Those Having Insufficient Cerebral Kinesis. Amusing,                             esoteric, and utterly non-politically correct term. If using this it's as well to understand exatly what it means to avoid being undone by someone bold enough                             to demand a proper explanation, so: in this context kinesis means broadly 'body                             activity', from the root Greek kinein, meaning to move. Cerebral of course                             relates to the brain and thinking, from Greek kara, meaning head, and later                             Latin cerebrum, meaning brain. (Ack F Guertler)
TIC
Taken Into Consideration. As found in legal margins. (Also Tongue In Cheek - a device for reducing the risks associated                             with using humour or sarcasm. Ack H Niklaus.)
TIP
Theory Into Practice. General call-to-action acronym. A good                             mnemonic for end-of-training or meetings, when responsibilities and                             accountabilities need to be attached to ideas and plans, with commitment to                             implementation and timescales. (Ack LW). See also the suggested origin of 'Tip' meaning                             'gratuity' in the cliches origins page .
TINA
There Is No Alternative. For that extra bit of emphasis -                             interestingly attributed to Baroness Margaret Thatcher.
TLA
Three Letter Acronym. Of course. Or more precisely (thanks W                             Green, A Smith, and others who have sent me either version) Three Letter Abbreviation.
TLR
Two-Legged Rat. Healthcare acronym referring a little                             unsympathetically to a patient undergoing treatment of an experimental or                             desperate nature.
TLAR
That Looks About Right. The TLAR standards - recognised all                             around the world - amusing and very important sounding Quality Assurance                             Standard acronym, ideal for giving humourous emphasis to sorts of issues                             relating to quality management and customer service. (Ack KH)
TMI
Three Meaningless Initials. Antidote to the TLA. Also 'Too                             Much Information'. (Ack M P)
TNA
Training Needs Analysis. The TNA term is most commonly given                             to the process of identifying and planning personal/skills development for an                             individual, group, or entire workforce. This can be the responsibility of a                             supervisor, group leader, senior manager, executive, or more usually nowadays                             an HR or training department. Increasingly, and in many ways ideally, much of                             the TNA process can be managed using online/intranet systems. The process                             actually comprises several and often very many other component processes and                             reviews (connecting to methods such as Performance Appraisals , SWOT analysis , PEST analysis , etc). TNA of some                             sort is generally considered essential for the planning and management of any                             level of useful training and development in organizational context. However TNA                             can become highly complex, and at worse self-defeating, if its design and                             implementaion are overly detailed, and/or if the people, administration and                             systems controlling TNA are more focused on detailed analysis than on the basic                             training that the people/organization need in response to the most important                             internal and external priorities. The potential for TNA (when mismanaged) to                             waste time/resources has given rise to the more cynical and somewhat amusing                             interpretation of the TNA acronym, meaning Training's Needless                             Activities. More information about TNA, and tools for designing and                             operating TNA are in                             the Perfomance Appraisals section.
TNT
Thanks, but No Thanks. Shorthand for the rejection letter                             pile, for unsuccesful job applicants, inappropriate sales propositions, or                             anything worthy of polite refusal (Ack S Parkes). In the world of chemical                             explosives TNT of course stands for Trinitrotoluene, which is neither                             memorable nor easily pronouncable until (like lots of things) you break it down into recognizable chunks: Tri-Nitro-Toluene. And now it's easy. See BID .
TOBASH
Take Out Back And SHoot. (ODSA) Superb nurses abbreviation                             shorthand for the worst patients. Commonly and covertly used in Los Angeles,                             and no doubt elsewhere. (Ack KT)
TOIL
Time Off In Lieu. Very neat acronym/backronym used in                             flexible working, where overtime (working for more than one's normally                             contracted hours) counts towards hours or days off in the future. TOIL                             specifically refers to the additional time off work accrued in this way. The                             expression is well-established in the UK public sector, and no doubt in other                             situations which offer flexible working ('flexi-time') employment contracts.                             TOIL is a less familiar concept to workers in certain environments/roles having                             more elastic hourly/pay working conditions (such as for the self-employed,                             entrepreneurs, much of commerce, and senior mangement) within which extra hours                             are generally regarded as an unrecoverable job norm, rather than a tradable                             working-hours concession. See in lieu meaning/origin .                             (Thanks LA)
TOIS
Task Oriented Instructional System. The basis of experiential learning and training - as in 'I do and I understand' (see the Confucius                             quotation). Use in conjuntion with TAPES. The Task provides the Pressure                             element which when applied to the Technique produces Skill. (Ack. Don                             Clark)
TPM
Total Productive Maintenance. An aspect of Total Quality Management and Lean                             Manufacturing, TPM (thanks P Eastham) is the empowering of production staff                             with responsibility for proactive maintenance and improvement of especially                             their own machinery, extending to their immediate working environment, and                             potentially more depending on the sophistication of the staff and surrounding                             management situation. More amusingly and alternatively, TPM refers                             sarcastically to Toss Pot Management.
TOTB (thus TOTBoxer and TOTBoxing)
Think Outside The Box/Thinking Outside The Box. A TOTBoxer is                             a person who thinks outside the box - i.e., very creatively. TOTBoxing is                             thinking outside the box. Cleverer than a straightforward TOTB acronym, the                             expression elegantly describes a creative thinker, or the creative act.                             (Devised and contributed by Janet Disney, thanks. First published here on 8 Jan                             2009.)
TOTBAL
There Ought To Be A Law.... Sounds like it should be a TV                             game show. Cliche-based acronym and a good basis for discussions and exercises                             - see team building                             games .
TPT
Trailer Park Trash. Derogatory US reference to                             unsophisticated folk supposed to inhabit static caravan sites, especially in                             the Southern USA. The term became popular in the 1990s and (according to                             Cassells) derives from the 1800s black American slang 'White Trash' referring                             to white people considered socially dysfunctional, burdensome, ill-educated,                             etc. Trailer Park Trash and the shorter Trailer Trash expressions equate in                             some ways to the UK slang Chav , notably in that the slang                             increasingly describes people of a certain lifestyle or behaviour rather than                             according to a social class or where they live.
TPTB
The Powers That Be. Typically referring to autocratic                             managers or bosses at work, extending to all other figures of authority,                             especially those too arrogant or important to be seen by or talk face-to-face                             with the people under their control, (thanks DC). If you are one of TPTB ask                             yourself why people refer to you as this and how you might become more like a                             human being. Alternatively The People To Blame (an expression which can                             arise in anyone's vocabulary in moments of weakness) and Too Poor To                             Be... (whatever, which is a very neat way to sum up the inevitability of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs , and the fact that                             motivation at desperate levels tends to be determined by circumstances).
TQC
Total Quality Control. Forerunning theory from the 1970s to                             TQM, and successor to SPC..
TQM
Total Quality Management. Most people believe that the                             Japanese TQM philosophy, if not all the products, was home-grown in Japan. Not                             so. A little known fact is that the two American gurus, Juran and                             Edwards-Deming, taught the Japanese all they know about Total Quality                             Management in the 1950s. To the Japanese, they are both still revered as                             industrial icons.
TQMS
Total Quality Management System. Extension of TQM, describing                             the system by which a company manages Total Quality. Allegedly when the                             Lockheed Aircraft company introduced their own Total Quality Management System                             some years ago their engineers devised an alternative meaning - Time to Quit                             and Move to Seattle (home of competitor Boeing). (Ack SG)
TRIP
Transaction, Relationship, Information, Partnership. The                             sequential development of a successful customer-supplier co-operation.
TSA
Thousands Standing Around. An ironically amusing if gently                             insulting acronym, used by airline passengers frequenting US airports, and                             increasingly apparently also by TSA staff themselves, in referring to Transportation Security Administration security service personnel, some of                             whom (it is alleged) might be seen from time to time standing around not doing                             very much, clustered in great numbers, at the many and various checkpoints that                             travellers must negotiate in the course of modern-day airplane travel. TSA in                             this ironic sense is arguably also a bacronym , since it reinterprets the acronym's                             original meaning. The expression is most certainly transferable to all sorts of                             other situations where large numbers of staff or volunteers are gathered in an                             under-employed or 'ready' status when observers and customers might imagine                             more activity, especially where work needs doing but isn't being done, through                             lack of good direction or local initiative. (Thanks P Mackay)
TSSBAT (tissbat)
The Student Should Be Able To... This is a terrific acronym                             for emphasising and agreeing expectations of responsibility, capability, action                             plans, objectives, etc.; any situation where responsibility or knowledge is                             needs to be confirmed. (Ack. LW)
TTFN
Ta Ta For Now. In other words, see you later, or 'bye for                             now. TTFN became strongly associated (along with BFN - 'bye for now) with the                             daytime BBC radio DJ Jimmy Young who said it every day at the end of his shows                             in the 1960s. TTFN originated in the BBC radio show It's That Man Again (known                             as ITMA), a popular 1940s weekly comedy launched in 1939 featuring Liverpool                             comedian Tommy Handley, in which TTFN was a catchphrase of Mrs Mopp the office                             char, played by Dorothy Summers. Ta-Ta meaning goodbye is first recorded in use                             as a nursery expression in 1837. (Thanks H Sinclair-Hyde for alerting me to                             this omission in the list, and to R Farley for pointing me towards the ITMA                             origin.) I am further informed (thanks Dr P Rutherford) that TTFN is used in                             morse code to signify "I have no further messages". The TTFN code is dash,                             dash, dot dot dash dot, dash dot, which interesting equates to to the morse                             code message ZZN, meaning "I am closing down" (dash dash dot dot, dash dot,                             dash dot). When the pauses are removed (dash dash dot dot dash dot dash dot),                             the code sequence for TTFN and ZNN is the same.
TTS and CCC
Teams, Tools, Systems and Culture, Communication,                             Commitment. The hard and soft elements of the Total Quality Management                             model. Every quality company has these things in place.
TUBE
Totally Unnecessary Breast Examination. (ODSA). Allegedly                             seen occasionally on patients medical notes. Not recommended for use in any                             circumstances whatsoever. See the similarly disturbing BBSS . (Thanks P Gover)
TUPE
Transfer of Undertakings for Protection of Employment. The                             UK's TUPE regulations are employment legislation which dictate proper process                             and employer's obligations regarding the transfer of staff from one employer to                             another, for example in the case of transfer of staff to an outsourced                             (contracted out) services supplier. Employers transferring out and transferring                             in staff should ensure they understand these laws, especially before concluding                             negotiations about the sale, purchase or transfer of business interests.
TWAIN
Technology Without An Interesting Name. 'TWAIN' is the de                             facto compliance interface standard for scanning devices, and the name of the                             group formed in 1992 (by vendors such as Adobe, Ricoh, Xerox and Kodak) with                             the purpose of developing and promoting the 'TWAIN Initiative'. TWAIN actually                             originated as as a metaphorical name - not an acronym - based on literal                             meaning of twain, which is 'two' or 'two things'. Inspiration for this came                             from the opening line of Rudyard Kipling's 1889 poem, Ballad Of East And West:                             "Oh, East is East, and West is West, and never the twain shall meet."                             Considering that the technology is concerned with connecting two functions -                             that of driver and application - this seems perfectly logical. However, the                             clever folks at TWAIN decided to use the word in upper case (apparently to                             improve its distinctiveness), which contributed first to the belief that is was                             an acronym, and next to a competition to create an acronym root phrase                             retrospectively from the word (sponsored by who or what I don't know), with the                             result that many now believe the word came from the acronym and not vice-versa.                             The TWAIN group iteself acknowledges that the expression continues to haunt the                             standard. Incidentally the next lines of the poem are:
"...Till Earth and Sky stand presently at God's great Judgment                             Seat;
But there is neither East nor West, Border, nor Breed, nor                             Birth,
When two strong men stand face to face, tho' they come from the ends                             of the earth!"
(Ack. M Rosling)
TWOC
Taking Without Owner's Consent. Legal and police acronym                             describing theft of some sort. This gives rise also to the use of the word in                             slang verb form: 'twoc' meaning to steal, or more euphemistically, to fail to                             return something borrowed. For example: "Did you buy that rather fetching hotel                             bathrobe or do you twoc it?....."
UBI
Unexplained Beer Injury. (ODSA) Drunk, with injuries of                             unknown origin. Acronym from Nova Scotia orthopaedics nursing, and widely                             applicable elsewhere. (Ack KP)
UFLA
Unidentified Four Letter Acronym. Companion acronym to                             UTLA.
(UF)2
yoU Foul (it/up), yoU Fix (it). Polite version. Clever                             no-nonsense reminder of the rule of clearing up one's mistakes. See also (YFI)2 . (Thanks G Harrison)
UMBRO
yoU Must Be Really Old. Acronym remarking that someone's                             choice of attire or other tell-tale behaviour gives their age away; for                             example, mobile phones over a year old, wearing a coat in the winter, cooking                             fresh vegetables, phoning instead of emailing, never having heard of                             myspace.com, using a pen and notepad, walking anywhere, etc. (Ack P&J)
UNIVAC
Unusually Nasty Infection; Vultures Are Circling. (ODSA)                             Wonderful dark humour self-explanatory healthcare acronym from orthopaedic                             nursing in Nova Scotia, Canada. (Ack KP)
UPB
Unique Perceived Benefit. Your USP from the customer's                             perspective. What your USP means to your customer, which is a very different                             way of approaching selling than from the traditional angle of seller-oriented                             USPs. It's essential to discuss your offering in these terms with your                             customer. The UPB acronym and concept was developed by The Marketing                             Guild , who specialise in practical, innovative, and effective sales and                             marketing.
USP
Unique Selling Point (or Proposition). You can't be very                             successful in any business unless you have at least one USP, that is to say -                             you've got to be doing something that nobody else is doing.
UTLA
Unidentified Three Letter Acronym. More interesting than the                             straight TLA. See also UFLA above.
VEST
Very Egotistical Stupid Twit. Slightly toned down                             interpretation. Socialising/Dating terminology. Transfers easily to other                             environments, including work situations. Typically applicable to the male of                             the species, and especially applicable when subject is wearing said                             garment.
VIBE
Visual Book Enhancement. Visual Book Enhancement is                             video-based content to support or illustrate text-based material, for example a                             DVD with a book, or conceivably a video file within an online text-based                             tutorial. A simple powerful concept that (as at the early 2000s) we've not                             begun to see exploited widely yet, but surely will. This neat acronym cleverly                             conveys its meaning in the word since a VIBE adds sensory information to text.                             Older readers will recall that the word vibe was 1960s slang for atmosphere or                             feeling, derived from the word vibration. The acronym VIBE is however a very                             modern acronym from and for the digital age - rather like cartoon illustrations                             have been used traditionally to support text instructions or details, so video                             enables a wider sensory experience. I first heard the term VIBE used by Jackie                             Stewart in November 2007 when referring to his autobigraphy, Winning is not                             Enough, which contains a 'VIBE' - a DVD - to augment the words on the pages. If                             anyone knows who coined the VIBE acronym originally please tell me .
VIOT
Village Idiot On Tour. Informal acronym used by London                             Transport staff to describe certain types of visitor to London, particularly                             those struggling to comprehend the Underground system and blaming everyone but                             themselves for their confusion. (Ack A Butler)
VIP
Visually Impaired Person. Semi-official acronym used by                             London Transport referring to a blind or partially sighted person needing                             assistance. A fitting customer service variation on the traditional 'Very                             Important Person' meaning. (Ack AB) See also MIP.
VIRUS
Vital Information Resources Under Siege. Said by some to be                             the origin of the computer term 'virus' but sadly the 'Vital Information                             Resources Under Siege' meaning is a bacronym . Incidentally the word virus,                             referring (since c.1728) to a harmful self-propogating micro-organism which                             causes disease in people and other living things, is from the original Latin                             'virus', meaning a 'slimy poisonous liquid', such as plant sap, or snake venom,                             or bodily/pus secretion, because this was the common visible and perceived                             symptom/cause of viral infection, and so (in the late 1300s) considered to be                             the infection/source itself. (Thanks S Hunter)
VLE
Virtual Learning Environment. Acronym emerging in the late                             1990s/early 2000s. A VLE is a web-based or intranet-based learning/teaching                             provision, enabling users to do 'virtually', i.e., via computer, much of what                             would normally be done in conventional school or college situation. Social                             networking connectivity is typically a big part of a VLE. Generally learners                             have more control of their learning (what, how, when, etc) in a VLE than in                             traditional teaching/training situations. A VLE may be established by an                             existing conventional teaching/training/educational provider, or employer, (for                             example using a VLE computer/website platform such as MOODLE ) or may be set up in a stand-alone                             dedicated way, notably in the form of a teaching website, such as a provider of MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses).
WAFI
Wind Assisted Flaming Idiot. This interpretation is obviously                             the polite version. Essentially a maritime term, but actually transferable to                             anyone who blusters and blunders about, having no regard for the safety of                             others, and no control of the forces that they seek to dominate. The acronym                             originates (Ack E Creswick) from the UK Coast Guard, RNLI (Royal National                             Lifeboat Institution) and other maritime agencies, who use WAFI in marine VHF                             messages to describe an incident or potential incident at sea in which lives                             are at risk, usually due to the actions of an idiot in charge of a small                             sailboat getting into difficulty or causing trouble to others. The WAFI                             expression is however far more potent and meaningful when applied to certain                             leaders of governments and large corporations who embark on or maintain                             activities and policies which recklessly and arrogantly endanger and undermine                             people's well-being and safety everywhere. The WAFI leader is a sad phenomenon                             of the modern age that will come to an end when ordinary people use their                             collective power to change things.
WAG
Wild Arsed Guess/Wild Assed Guess. Shortened form of                             SWAG, and earlier in the creative process - even before the project makes it                             onto the cigarette packet or napkin. (Ack. Don Clark) WAG is not to be confused                             with WAGs, meaning 'Wives And Girlfriends', as seemingly first concocted by the                             UK tabloid press with reference to the partners of England's footballers at the                             2006 World Cup in Germany.
WAGII
What A Good Idea If... Sardonic term from the armed forces,                             but eminently transferable and just as effective in describing any daft                             instruction from the idiots above. (Ack. Mick Whelan)
WAGNER
Wild Assed Guess, Not Easily Refuted. Extension of the SWAG                             and WAG acronyms. Perhaps based ironically and unfairly on the admirable Wagner                             Free Institute of the US which provides the oldest free adult education                             programme in America, as well as a huge library and information service                             covering scientific history. The acronym more likely originated as a means of                             poking fun at those who habitually quoted the Wagner Institute as a 'source'                             for statistics and research information. (Ack D Maguire)
WALOC
What A Load Of Crap. Multiple use acronym. Fascinatingly,                             the meaning is almost entirely conveyed phonetically in the abbreviation, such                             is the way many people, speaking lazily or fast, would pronounce the phrase,                             ie., " wa' lo' cra' ".
WANF
Wet Arse No Fish. Acronym to describe one of those days when                             you've planned to do all sorts of things and yet not managed to achieve any.                             (Ack A Humphreys)
WASP
White Anglo-Saxon Protestant. The first and original                             demographics acronym? As featured in countless American police chase movies                             when the good guys are rushing out the description of the bad guys in the first                             frantic APB. WASP is alternatively and amusingly interpreted (thanks S                             McCarthy) to mean Women Are Superior People.
WDIS
Where Do I Sign? An acronym said to be from 1980s Wall Street                             (New York's financial centre) used by brokers when referring to investors who                             fail to scrutinize what/whom they are investing in. The WDIS effect is the                             major factor in any large-scale financial scandal, at the top of which is an                             idiot or a crook, followed by lots of people who ask too few questions.
WHY
What Have You. Alternative to 'etc'.
WIFE
Wash Iron Fornicate Etc. Polite version. Alpha-males might                             not necessarily appreciate the supreme ironic quality of this acronym.
WIGIG
When It's Gone It's Gone. Philosophically flexible for all                             sorts of situations in which a little delaying of gratification might be more                             helpful than reckless squandering or consumption. (Thanks M Iszatt)
 
WIIFM
What's In It For Me? The essential element of all successful                             communications and organizational initiatives, and of all efforts towards                             persuasion, influence, facilitation and mediation. To understand the other                             person's 'WIIFM' issues we need empathy . Central to                             this, during the exploring or research process necessary before embarking on                             actions aimed at moving others to take action, we must listen empathically and                             facilitatively to the people we want to reach and move. The principle of WIIFM                             asserts that if there's nothing in it for the other person, or the audience,                             then they may hear us but they won't really listen, and without satisfying the                             WIIFM factor they'll never commit to action. Here is a humorous example of the                             WIIFM factor in a selling situation: Airman Peters was assigned to the Air                             Force induction training centre to explain and sell the Air Force Life                             Insurance to new conscripts. The office manager noticed that amazingly Peters'                             success rate was close on 100%, so he decided to listen to Peters' technique.                             This was it.. After outlining the insurance policy basics to the new recruits,                             Peters was heard to say: "If you're killed in action and have the Air Force                             Insurance, the government has to pay £500,000 to your beneficiaries,                             whereas if you don't have the insurance, compensation is just the statutory £15,000." Peters paused, and then finished with the WIIFM line, "So which                             group do you think they are going to send into action first?..." (The buyers of                             the insurance were far more motivated by the implied reduction of exposure to                             risk, than to the seemingly more obvious appeal of higher compensation level.)
WINDOWS
Will Install Needless Data On Whole System. Classic ironic 'backronym' . Perhaps a little unfair, but                             need we say more?...
WIOFYFS
Work It Out For Your Flipping Self. Polite version. WIOFYFS                             is actually a wonderful maxim for developing personal self-reliance and for                             organisations who want their people to be self-reliant and always growing. Why                             wait for someone else to give you the answers if you can work it out yourself?                             Today's organisations need to encourage their people to take initiative, and                             modern managers need to support people in doing so, even if mistakes are made.                             (See the guides to delegating and the Tannenbum & Schmidt model relating to                             developing teams). See also GAAFOFY. WIOFYFS was allegedly (Ack Rob Carr)                             originated by a touring rugby team for tour T-shirt slogan. For a free WIOFYFS                             colour poster see the free businessballs                             posters page.
WLOG
Without Loss Of Generality. Mathematical term, and applicable                             more generally, to justify the use of an isolated case in proving an issue,                             when the need for wider evidence is not required or is irrelevant and would be                             a waste of time. (Thanks E Key)
WOFTAM
Waste Of Flipping Time And Money. Originated in the                             Australian Army and now deservedly in wider use. E.g., "I have to work the                             weekend on the latest company WOFTAM project..." (thanks L Speden). I am                             additionally informed (thanks R Owen) that WOFTAM was certainly in use in the                             Australian Army, in Melbourne, by the 1980s. There it described a particularly                             disinterested or demotivated soldier/civilian trainee, close being discharged                             from basic training due to lack of suitability, also referred to a 'ration                             thief' or 'oxygen thief' in ironic reference to using resources needed by                             properly committed colleagues.
WOMBAT
Waste Of Money, Brains And Time. Another great acronym from                             down-under. Ideal for project management commentaries, certain corporate                             re-branding schemes, the latest government training initiative, etc. (Ack D                             Martin) The WOMBAT acronym is alternatively interpreted into meaning Women -                             Over Men, Beer And Television, a term used by women and men to describe a                             certain type of man who prioritises his fondness for women over and above the                             stereotypical 'bloke' pursuits. (Ack M Christiansen)
WOOF
Well Off Older Folk. Also referred to as WOOFs; A variant of                             WOOP below.
WOOO
We're On Our Own. A wonderfully apt and fitting acronym for                             expressing a team or group feeling of unity and that thrilling combination of                             excitement and fear in the face of a challenge. While often caused by                             apparently negative or unwanted situations, such as desertion by a poor                             'leader', or the cutting off of support, the WOOO effect can unleash previously                             hidden and unknown amazing capabilities in people and teams, and be so                             liberatingly empowering as to move mountains. WOOO is generally an ingredient                             of employee buy-outs and other situations where a work team of like-minded                             people takes over the ownership and responsibility for an organization which                             previously employed them merely as staff. WOOO may also happen by helpful                             positive design, such as the delegation of greater responsibility by a good                             leader to a maturing team. WOOO can happen when any group is given the                             opportunity to discover and develop and achieve by themselves. See delegation and the Tannenbaum and Schmidt Continuum . See also YOYO .
WOOP
Well Off Older Person. Also known as Woopie (as in Yuppie)                             The new focus of so many modern advertising campaigns. See GLAM, and WOOF                             above.
WOTCHA
Wonderful Old Thing Considering His/Her Age. Patronising                             alternative to HOPEFUL and TEPID.
WRAP
Wind, Reel And Print. Now used to denote the completion of                             any project ('it's a wrap'), this is supposedly originally a movie-makers'                             term, used when filming is completed.
WYSBYGI
What You See Before You Get It. Excellent variation on the                             ubiquitous WYSIWYG. Ideal for presenting concepts to stupid boards of                             directors, who don't understand the creative process (like the true story about                             the director of a $multi-million company who complained that a concept                             advertisement layout was full of gobbledegook. It was of course the random text                             that designers use instead of copy before the real stuff is written. True I                             assure you.) (Ack. Don Clark)
WYSIWYG
What You See Is What You Get. If you've accessed this archive                             via the Internet you'll probably know this one already, as WYSIWYG is now                             common computer jargon, although not always true. Nevertheless, this famous                             acronym has applications just about everywhere, and is an excellent reminder of                             the importance of visualising outcomes in order to achieve results. Contrast                             the planned, measured WYSIWYG approach to IKIWISI above.
WYGIWYD
What You Get Is What You Deserve. A maxim for life and                             personal responsibility: you get out what you put in - you reap what you sow.                             WYGIWYD is also a great reminder that people are more likely to perform to                             their fullest potential when they are given fair reward and recognition. Also                             relevant for project planning and all matters of investing in people,                             development, plant and equipment, etc: if you want good results then invest                             properly and act with integrity. WYGIWYD also emphasises the importance of                             communicating fully and properly with people whom you expect to produce results                             of any sort: internal and external staff and suppliers, designers, programmers,                             writers, etc. A free WYGIWYD poster is available from the businessballs free                             posters page. (thanks L Speden for the acronym)
XTLA
eXtended Three-Letter Acronym. Amusing ironic enhancement of                             TLA. Basically XTLA can mean any acronym of four or more letters. (Thanks P                             Gover)
XYZ
eXamine Your Zipper. Amusingly neat and discreet way to tell                             someone when his trouser fly is open. (Thanks Carmen)
YAHOO
You Always Have Other Options. While this is ostensibly a                             corporation backronym, this particular interpretation provides a wonderful                             mnemonic and aid for training and coaching - to encourage others to 'think                             outside of the box' and to visualise new directions and goals. The 'Eureka!'                             feel of the YAHOO word of course adds to the effect of liberating and lifting                             one's limits. For the other more ordinary corporation-oriented YAHOO backronyms                             see the corporation backronyms list.)
YAVIS
Young, Attractive, Verbal, Intelligent, Successful. Another                             demographic acronym.
(YFI)2
You Fouled It, You Fix it. Polite version. Very clever if                             somewhat abrupt acronym about taking responsibility for one's own mistakes.                             (Thanks A Fletcher). See also (UF)2 .
YMMV
Your Mileage Might Vary/Your Mileage May Vary. increasingly                             popular abbreviation appearing in electronic messages, where it is used                             figuratively to acknowledge that the other person could have different                             circumstances, experiences, views, etc. The disclaimer seems originally to have                             appeared in the small-print of the US automotive industry, for example in                             vehicle or parts performance or life-expectancy statements. In its modern sense                             the abbreviation is a fitting metaphor for objectivity and respecting others,                             reminding us that other people are highly likely to have a different position                             or feeling than our own. (Thanks D Rudloff)
YOGOWYPI
You Only Get Out What You Put In. Amusing and truthful                             acronymic rule for life, which in abbreviated form trips off the tongue very                             pleasingly. Alludes to Karma and very constructively extends the GIGO concept. (Thanks E                             Gordon, who attributes this to Dr Terry Swan in late 1990s USA, but the acronym                             could be earlier, so I'm open to suggestions if you know previous history or                             certain origin).
YOLO
You Only Live Once. A popular 2010s texting/messaging acronym, with similar meaning as the Latin expression 'Carpe Diem' (Seize the Day), i.e., live for today; grab opportunities, take risks (because you won't get the time again, and you are a long time dead). Interestingly among........ The expression You Only Live Once is actually very old, for example it's the title in German, 'Man lebt nur einmal! (You only live once!) of the  a a waltz by Johann Strauss II written in 1855.
YOYO
You're On Your Own. YOYO has obvious and wide-ranging uses,                             particularly for those moments when someone is pursuing a lost cause or                             unrealistic plan. YOYO may also be a partner acronym for JFDI , to reinforce the notion of self-determination                             and self-reliance. Less helpfully YOYO can refer to desertion or neglect, or                             poorly managed delegation when a task is given with inadequate consideration                             for instruction and support, etc., (thanks Don Clark). A prefixed version KMAYOYO - Kiss My Ass, You're On Your Own (thanks T Brandley) adds  extra  emphasis.  See also the more inclusive WOOO - We're On Our Own. The two expressions together offer an amusing example of two main leadership styles , whereby YOYO is 'separated' and autocratic (low relationship), whereas WOOO is 'participative' (high relationship).
YUPPIE
Young Upwardly-mobile Professional. Alternatively 'Young                             Urban Professional'. Perhaps the best known acronym-derived demographic term                             ever to have entered common parlance, but not strictly a full proper acronym.                             Should really be YUMP, which in some ways resonates more amusingly than YUPPIE,                             but would it have caught on?...... (Seemingly 'Young, Upwardly-Mobile                             Professionals' were originally called YUMPIES - but the term was quickly                             superseded by YUPPIES, which was alternatively defined as 'young urban                             professionals'. As is a factor in much of the development of language and                             expressions, the -y or -ie endings were added for greater euphony - ie., to                             make the words sound more pleasing to the ear - like the plural DINKIES (as an                             extension of DINK) to which incidentally restrospectively the 'yet' was added                             to make it DINKY. Ack JW)
If you have your own suggestions for this acronym finder please                             send them via the contact us page.
 
 
lifestyle and demographics profiles                         acronyms listing
Here in one section are all the lifestyle and demographics profiles                             acronyms that feature in the dictionary above. These amusing and occasionally                             less-than-PC acronyms and abbreviations are an increasing presence in our                             language. The expressions reflect social change and also changing attitudes to                             certain lifestyles and values. If you have examples of other lifestyle and                             demographics acronyms please send them . For fuller                             descriptions and contributors where applicable see the entries as they appear                             above.
BURP
Bankrupt Unemployed Rejected Person. See Maslow .
CHAV
Council Housed And Violent. Made-up 'bacronym', not the                             actual origin. See entry in main listing.
DILDO
Double Income Little Dog Owners/Dual Income Little Dogs Only.
DIMWIT
Dual Income Mortgage We're In Trouble.
DINKY
Double Income No Kids Yet.
DITCHED
Dual Income, Two/Three CHildren, Expanding Debts. Adaptation                             (devised by R Burn-Smith, thanks) of the famous DINKY demographic acronym.
GLAM
Greying, Leisured, Affluent, Married.
GOFER
Genial Old Farts Enjoying Retirement. Alternative meaning in                             similar context is Genial Old Fisherman Enjoying Recreation.
HEW
Wonderful Old Thing Considering His/Her Age.
YUPPIE
 
healthcare acronyms listing
Here in one section are all the healthcare acronyms featured in the                             dictionary above. These outrageous acronyms and abbreviations (identified in                             the dictionary listing above by the term ODSA, which stands for Original                             Doctors Shorthand Acronym) are used - allegedly - in various parts of the world                             by certain doctors, GP's, consultants, nurses and other healthcare staff on                             patients' notes or in verbal references. Of course the use of most of these                             terms is not encouraged - they're here as amusing and interesting examples of                             modern communications, language adaptation, the use of dark humour to help deal                             with life's upsets, of customer service attitudes, and particularly these                             acronyms serve to demonstrate the importance of humour in stressful                             occupations. If you have examples of others please send                             them .
For further descriptions and contributors see the entries as they                             appear above in the fuller listing.
AOX3
Alert, Oriented times 3 (person, place, time).
AEIOU DDD
Apoplexy, Epilepsy, Injury, Opium or other drugs, Uraemia, Dead                             Drunk and Diabetes. (Healthcare mnemonic to aid memory of possible causes                             of unconsciousness.)
AFOL
Unusually Nasty Infection; Vultures Are Circling.
 
Contributors of these acronyms are acknowledged in the detailed                             entries in the main acronyms section. If you have examples of other healthcare                             acronyms please send them .
 
acronyms from the automotive industry
Acronyms from or related to the automotive sector - some amusing,                             others more interesting from a social and cultural perspective. It's                             interesting that nearly all are negative - cars for many people are an easy                             target of envy, frustration and ironic humour. A few of these acronyms ( 'backronyms' or 'bacronyms' more correctly) are potentially offensive on the basis of race                             and or taste, so if you are easily offended don't read them. In addition to                             providing some interesting examples of attitudes, humour and the adaptability                             of language, these barbed interpretations also serve to show that cars can give                             rise to strong feelings and bias. This is not an exhaustive list and attempts                             only to include the more creative, interesting and amusing examples. No offence                             is intended:
AMC
Almost Made a Car/Ain't My Car.
ASTON MARTIN
Another Strut To Overhaul Nightly - Many Apparent Repairs To                             Internal Nubs (nubs are wheel bushes).
BENTLEY
Beautiful Engine, Needs To Last Endless Years.
BMW
Bloody Money Waster/Break My Windows/Built by Migrant                             Workers/Big-up My Willy/Bought Mainly by Wankers/Black Man's Wheels/Black Man's                             Willy/Bring Money in Wheelbarrows/Blew My Wad/Built from Mercedes                             Wastebasket/Barely Moving and Working/Bersten Mal Wieder (German: 'bust                             again')/Bei Mercedes Weggeworfen (German: 'made from the parts Mercedes threw                             away')/Bayerischer MistWagen (German: Bavarian Manure Wagon)/Bayerischer                             MistWerke (German: Bavarian Manure Works)/Bak Met Wielen (Dutch: 'box with                             wheels')
BSA
Bits Stuck Anywhere/Best Scrap Available/Bloody Sore Arse/Bloody                             Sore Ass.
BUICK
Barfed Up Icky Carmel Korn. (Carmel Korn is a USA                             snack-stand brand specializing in caramel coated popcorn - thanks Crystal).
CHEVROLET
Clatters Heavily, Every Valve Rattles, Oil Leaks Every                             Time/Cheap Heap Every Valve Rattles Or Leaks Every Time/Can Hear Every Valve                             Rattling On Long Extended Trips
DODGE
Damned Old Dirty Gas Eater/Dead On Day Guarantee Expires/Dies On                             Day Guarantee Expires/Drips Oil, Drops Grease Everywhere/Dem Old Dudes Go                             Everywhere.
FIAT
Found In A Tip/Failure In Automotive Technology/Fix It Again                             Tony/Fix It Again Tomorrow/Futile (or Feeble) Italian Attempt at                             Transportation/Fehler In Allen Teilen (German: 'faulty in all parts')/Fur                             Italiener Achreichende Technologie (German: 'for Italians adequate                             technology')/Fui Idiota Agora e Tarde (Portuguese: 'I've been stupid now it's                             too late')
FORD
Found On Roadside, Dead/Found On Rubbish Dump/Fix Or                             Repair Daily/Fast Only Rolling Downhill/Fix Or Replace Daily/Flip Over,                             Read Directions/First On Race Day/Full Of Rust and Decay/For                             Outstanding Reliability and Dependability//Frickin' Oakies Really                             Dig'em/Frequent Off-Road Disasters/Familjen Olssons Rullande Dass (Swedish:                             'Family Olssen's Rolling Toilet').
GM
Hope Our Luck Doesn't End Now.
HONDA
Hold On Not Done Accelerating/Have One, Never Do it                             Again/Had One, Never Did Again.
HUMMER
Huge Unnecessary Massive Mobile, Emmissions Ridiculous.
JAGUAR
Just A Gauge Under Another Repair.
JEEP
Just Enough Essential Parts/Just Enough Engine Power/Junk; Each                             and Every Part/Just Empty Every Pocket.
KIA
Killed In Action/Killed in Automobile.
LADA
Life and Death Association/Left At Dump Abandoned/Laissee Au                             Depotoir Abandonee (French: Left At Dump Abandoned)/Langs Achter Duwen                             Alstublieft (Dutch: 'please push from behind')
LOTUS
Loads Of Trouble, Usually Serious/Leaking Oil To                             Under Side.
LUCAS
Leaves Us Cold And Stranded. (Lucus manufacture automotive                             parts.)
MAZDA
Made At Zoo by Demented Apes.
MITSUBISHI
Made In Taiwan, Subcontracted Up to the British Isles, Shipped                             Here Incomplete.
MOPAR
Move Over, Plymouth Approaching Rapidly/Mostly Old Parts And                             Rust/My Old Plymouth (or Pig) Ain't Running/Motor On Pavement After                             Race/Massively Over-Powered, Always Reliable/Many Old Parts Assembled                             Recklessly. (MOPAR is the parts and service subsidiary of the Chrysler                             motor coporation, famous for its durable Plymouth cars. The name MOPAR is an                             abbreviated portmanteau word formed from the words 'Motor Parts'.)
MG
Mostly Garaged/Money Gone/Mighty Good/Modern Gentleman (allegedly  the 'Modern Gentleman' interpretation was very aptly suggested in Chinese publicity after acquiring the MG sports car company from Austin-Rover)
MGB GT
Musical Gear Box Grinds Teeth.
OLDSMOBILE
Old Ladies Driving Slowly Making Others Behind Increasingly Late                             Everyday.
PINTO
Paid Inspector Nicely To Overlook (during regulatory safety testing)/Powerful Incendiary, Neatly Toasts Occupants/Put In New                             Transmission Often.
PEUGEOT
Poxy Engine, Useless Gearbox, Every One Trouble.
PONTIAC
Poor Old Numpty/Numnut/Nucker/Nudnik Thinks It's A Cadillac. (A common alternative version for the N-word is too offensive even for this                             website, sorry - thanks to the many who have suggested it, in the interests of                             language study and curiosity of course.)
PORSCHE
Proof Only Rich Shits Can Have Everything.
SAAB
Something's Always About to Break.
SUBARU
Still Usable But All Rusted Underneath.
TOYOTA
The One You Ought To Avoid/Too Often Yankees (or Yanks)                             Overprice This Auto/Taking Our Yen Out Thanks America.
 
(Thanks to: D Compton, AJ, S Clory, D Hawksworth, S Skariah,                             T Day, S Cadd, S Rivera, J Hemmingway, T Cole, D Burton, C Purdom, G Day, W                             Buckley, J Quirk, Ed P, J Fobian, G Tolentino, S Harvey, P Bruton, C                             Buckneberg, B Speck, Crystal, M Alexander, J Heeley, M Flatla, P Eastham, L van                             den Berg, J Kelmar, J Fobian again thanks, and special acknowledgement to E Harvey for the SAAB                             invention.)
If you have other automotive or car acronyms please send them .
 
 
airlines and aviation                         acronyms/bacronyms
As with the other acronyms on this website, this listing illustrates                             the amusing development of coded langauge and communications and is not meant                             to cause offence, neither is it to be seen as a comment on service levels or                             the qualities of the doubtless fine organizations featured in the list, even though some no longer exist. A few of these acronyms (more correctly 'backronyms' or 'bacronyms' ) are                             potentially offensive so if you are easily offended don't read them. This is                             not an exhaustive list and attempts only to include the more creative,                             interesting or amusing examples. I welcome additions if you know a good                             one:
AIR INDIA
After I Return I'll Never Do It Again.
ALITALIA
Airplane Lands In Turin And Luggage In Ancona/Airplane Lands In                             Tokyo And Luggage In Atlanta (etc, etc.)/Always Late In Take-off, Always Late                             In Arrival/A Little Italian Tradition And Lotsa Italian Attitude.
AWA
Prayers In the Air.
QANTAS
Queers And Nancies Trained As Stewards/Quench A Nagging Thirst                             And Sleep/Quite A Nice Trip All Survived/Queer And Nervous Try Another                             Service. (Originally Queensland And Northern Territory Aerial                             Services).
SAHSA
Stay At Home Stay Alive.
SABENA
Such A Bad Experience, Never Again.
SAS
Same As Sabena/Sex And Satisfaction/Scandinavian Alcoholic System (referring to travel to Poland for its cheap vodka)
SOSA
Stay Off Stay Alive.
SWISSAIR
Sexy Women In Swissair Services Are Indeed Rare. Not true of                             course, but then none of this stuff is..
TACA
Take A Chance Airlines/Tres Accidentes Cada Ano (Spanish: Three                             Accidents Counted Annually).
TAP
Take Another Plane/Tamancos Aereos Portugueses (Portuguese:                             Portuguese Airborne Clogs).
TAP
Travel With Anxiety/Thousands Wandering Aimlessly/Terrorists                             Welcome Aboard/The Worst Airline/Try Walking Across/Teeny Weeny Airlines/Third                             World Airlines.
USAIR
Unfortunately Still Allegheny In Reality. (USAir was formed                             by the merger of Allegheny, Lake Central, and Mohawk Airlines. USAir became US                             Airways and subsequently merged with Piedmont/Empire Airlines and Pacific                             Southwest Airlines, and later America West Airlines.
UTA
Unlikely To Arrive.
VASP
Vomite Aqui Seu Porco (Portuguese: Throw Up Here You Pig - a                             reference to the VASP sick-bag logo)/Varias Aeromocas Sao Putas (Portuguese: 'a                             number of the air stewardesses are loose women') Again not true of course,                             like the rest of this silliness..
WIA
Whenever It Arrives.
 
(Acknowledgements to: D Bloemer, M Duncan, M Navaroli, JW, Chin, D                             Sidwell, D Rawsthorn, M Janes, E Davies, A Wilkinson, G Sargent, T Clarke, L                             Martin, Glenn Hooper, D Wilson, G Cartledge, B Poulter, E Stenning, L Van                             Helden, P Messervy, S Fraser, T Meyer, M Alldrick, R Jones, P Short, and J                             Kelmar for correct QANTAS meaning.)
If know any other notable amusing or clever airlines and aviation                             acronyms/bacronyms please send them .
 
corporation backronyms (reverse acronyms from corporation names                         - 'corporanyms')
Due to the increasing interest, potential and learning value                             (social, language, public image, staff attitudes, etc) contained in the                             creation and use of amusing corporation 'backronyms' (or 'corporanyms' to coin                             a daft new portmanteau                             word ), this section for the corporation backronym genre has been added. New contributions and suggestions gratefully                             received . These meanings are not true statements of fact. They are a bit of                             fun and no offence is intended. But if the cap fits any particular CEO's out                             there... Please note that Airlines and Automotive acronyms                             ('backronyms' are listed separately).
ADIDAS
After Dinner I Did A Shit. There seems no earthly reason for                             this to be funny, but strangely to many, including me, it is. Reducing one of                             the foremost consumer brands of our times to such a trite vulgarity is somehow                             a very amusing juxtaposition (Ack JR). Other variations include (ack P&J)                             the similarly daft and amusing A Dog Is Dirty And Smells or A Dog Is                             Dirty And Shits. For procrastintors everywhere (ack N Spargo) there is All Day I Dither And Squirm, and for the health and hygiene-conscious                             there is the very silly A Durex Is Disposable After Sex (ack J Quirk). All Day I Dream About Sex is perhaps the best known of these weird                             ADIDAS backronyms (Ack PF). All Day I Dream About Shoes is another                             wonderful interpretation (thanks S Morissette). Sport, Sleep, and                             strangely Spouse, are other extensions (thanks S Chapalkar). If you have                             others to share please send them .
AIG
Arrogance, Ignorance and Greed. Bacronym popularised by the                             British folk act Show of Hands in the wake of the global banking collapse of                             2008, whose song Arrogance, Ignorance and Greed is the title track of their                             2009 album, referring to the troubled AIG bank (properly American                             International Group) and more widely to the dubious behaviour of                             banks and bankers.
BA
Bugger All. Alternative interpretation of the famous initials                             allegedly devised by certain British Airways staff in response to the                             corporation's efforts to reduce salaries during the late noughties                             recession.
CSC
Collection of Small Companies. Alternative interpretation                             (apparently used by staff) of the CSC company name, which properly stands for                             Computer Sciences Corporation. The 'Collection of Small Companies' version                             reflects CSC's operatianal structure, which splits its activities into several                             business units. (Thanks J Honeycutt)
DHL
Drop, Hide and Lose/Drop it, Hide it, Lose it/Don't Hurry                             Lads. Not true of course. DHL's name in fact derives from its founders'                             surnames' initials, Adrian Dalsey, Larry Hillblom and Robert Lynn, who formed                             the company in 1969, initially as a service shuttling bills of lading between                             San Francisco and Honolulu. A bill of lading is incidentally a document                             detailing what's being shipped and to whom. Lading is from the word 'lade',                             which is from Old English 'hladan' traceable back to 725AD, and whose roots                             were very close to the word load. The word lade is preserved in the modern word                             laden, meaning loaded with. It's interesting that the company name features                             three key letters of the ancient English word so closely related to their                             trade. The pioneering DHL delivery company grew from their modest beginnings                             into a global organization with reputation to match, becoming along the way                             (they say) the first to bring air express to the Eastern Bloc countries in 1983                             and to the People's Republic of China in 1986. (Thanks M Gregory for Drop, Hide                             and Lose, S Baker for the Drop it, Hide it, Lose it variation, and C Armer for                             Don't Hurry Lads.)
DIAGEO
Don't Imagine Any Great Employment Opportunities. Not true of                             course. This 'backronym' (or 'bacronym' - meaning an acronym that is                             constructed in reverse from a word, rather using initials from a phrase or                             series of words) does however illustrate the risks of corporate rebranding with                             a name that invites such creative and mischievous interpretation. Diageo's                             previous name was Guinness & Grand Metropolitan. The merger of the two                             organisations hastened the name-change, along perhaps with the fact that the                             Guinness name had become associated with a major fraud case in the late 1980s                             following its acquisition of United Distillers in 1986. In any event Guinness & Grand Metropolitan would have offered relatively little scope for                             constructing a sardonic 'backronym' than Diageo. Incidentally Diageo is                             apparently Hindi for 'give and live for ever'. Another interpretation is the                             Latin/Greek combination of dia (day) and geo (earth) equating to the notion                             that '...every day, everywhere people celebrate our brands'. Alternatively dia                             could be interpreted as the Greek for 'across', as in 'across the world'. If                             you know the facts of this matter please tell me. (Thanks JV)
ENGLAND
Every New Guy Lasts About Ninety Days. Not the country                             England - the US trucking company CR England, as explained by the contributor:                             "...in the trucking industry in the United States there is a company called CR                             England. (yes, on the web at CREngland.com). My father drove for United Van                             Lines for many years and other large transport services before that. The 'old                             hand' drivers had a bit of a joke on the England name (due to the fact that an                             England truck invariably came up in stories about trucks in ditches or nasty                             but stupid looking accidents involving stationary objects)...ergo... Every New                             Guy Lasts About Ninety Days. (Ack S Holden)
ETAM
Everything To Attract Men. Not, as commonly believed, the                             actual origin of the famous womenswear chain, which is explained in the main ETAM entry above.
GWR
Goes When Ready. Kindly and reverential 'bacronym' popular in the days of the                             original Great Western Railway, illustrating that the tradition of                             re-interpreting amusing meanings from company names and initials has been                             around for at least a half a century. GWR is transferable to other situations,                             explained in the GWR main listing . The                             Great Western Railway Company was founded in 1835 initially for the                             construction of the London to Bristol railway, overseen by the genius Isambard                             Kingdom Brunel (starting at the ripe old age of 27), including the wonderous                             Clifton Suspension Bridge completed in 1864 after 30 years' construction and                             seven years after Brunel's death in 1859. The Great Western Railway Company                             ceased to operate in 1948 as part of the nationalisation of the British                             railways in that year. The original Great Wewstern Railway is not to be                             confused with the more recent re-privatised and much re-named, merged and                             otherwise convoluted 'First Great Western' company, or 'Worst Late Western' as                             it is not so fondly referred to by its reluctant victims. The comparison                             between the playful old 'Goes When Ready' bacronym (actually no bad thing                             considering modern concerns about safety), and the understandably venomous                             criticisms made of the modern First Great Western imposter reflects how our                             essential services have been exploited for profit and political expediency, a                             situation which persists. When will the daft buggers learn? A lesson for all                             the arrogant and greedy businessmen and politicians who've enjoyed playing with                             our national infrastructure like it were one big toy train set is highlighted                             in the superb Worst                             Late Western entry in Uncyclopedia , (although be careful when you visit                             this website - it poses a greater risk to work productivity than Myspace,                             Facebook and Bebo put together..)
HARTL
Hardly At Running Temperature Long. An acronym that's now                             become a term used generally by certain UK service engineers to describe a                             machine with consistent problems, break-downs, faults etc., ("Is it a                             Hartl..."). The origin is apparently from a company called Hartl Crushtek,                             founded in Austria, which used to manufacture rock crushing machines, typically                             used in quarries. The machines allegedly developed a reputation for poor                             reliability, which led, allegedly, to the development of the HARTL reverse                             acronym (backronym) by the company's service engineers, (as well as the demise                             of the Hartl Crushtek UK operating subsidiary). (Ack Mark Sandercock)
HESTIA
Holds Every Size Tit In Australia. An obscure-looking                             acronym ( 'backronym' actually) until it is                             explained that the Australian Hestia company is a leading bra maker. Part of                             the Berlei group, Hestia's own publicity says the company caters for 'every                             size in Australia', which (whether intentionally or not) effectively provides                             most of the backronym interpretation. Filling in the missing two words was                             obviously irresistible to someone. The Hestia website is actually a fascinating                             example of several aspects of modern marketing, not least the use of irony and                             humour. Hestia's intriguing advertising campaign (2005-07) is fronted by                             Desperate Housewives star Nicollette Sheridan (example of brand endorsement by                             a celebrity - 'aspirational marketing'), who in launching the campaign                             reinforces the Hestia positioning thus, "This campaign is all about support at                             work! No matter whether you're behind a desk, BBQing, you're hoovering (aka                             vacuuming) [sic - the translation of hoovering into vacuuming is actually in                             the quote] or doing a bit of laundry. It's all about feeling good, and you feel                             great when you are wearing a Hestia.." (example of market positioning and                             ironic - we assume ironic - use of the 'women at work' theme). The Hestia                             website also enables the visitor to see the TV advert featuring Ms Sheridan and                             some behind-the-scenes footage of the photo-shoot (use of internet technology                             and likely viral marketing techniques - 'titillation' marketing - titillation                             is actually from Latin, in case you were wondering, and nothing to do with                             breasts). The Hestia name was chosen by founders Edward and Serena Herson in                             1940 because their first choice name Vesta was already registered (example of                             importance of branding and registration of trademarks). Incidentally both Vesta                             and Hestia are derived from Roman/Greek mythology: Hestia is the Ancient Greek                             goddess of the hearth and home. Vesta is the Roman goddess of the hearth, which                             in Roman mythology also related to the alter and fire, (hence also Swan Vesta                             matches - there are many other examples of the use of mythological names for                             branding - see some on the puzzles questions page or the answers                             page ). The explanation of these names on the Hestia website could be                             improved: it refers to 'methology' rather than mythology and says both                             goddesses are Greek whereas one is Roman (example of the need for sound                             research and checking copy writing). See it all (apart from the backronym of                             course) at www.hestia.com.au . (Thanks J Nieman for the Hestia                             backronym)
HOLDEN
Heaps Of Little Dirty Engine Nuts. According to Australian                             'backyard' car-maintenance tradition, this acronym is a reference to the parts                             usually left over after repairing the engine of a Holden car. Aussie 'backyard'                             mechanics apparently assert that if the nuts are left over, then you didn't                             need them in the first place... (Ack J Gullefer)
IBM
I'm in Blue Material. A 1970s reference to the                             standard IBM executive's business suit), and I've Been to Manchester (referring to the supposed reluctance of IBM's American executives to                             travel into bandit country, i.e. more than three miles from central London (ack                             B Cavalot). Alternatively and amusingly I've Been Moved (ack P Larson).                             Less imaginatively, It's Better Manually, or It's Been                             Malfunctioning, and the gratuitously offensive Spanish Immensa Bola de                             Mierda (huge ball of pooh), which might of course have nothing to do with                             IBM corporation at all. Additionally (ack S Pusey), It's Being Mended,                             and Infernal Blooming Machine; neither of which necessarily relate to                             IBM per se of course. Other non-IBM-corporate interpretations are listed under IBM in the main acronyms listing above.
TYCO
Take Your Company Over. TYCO is a diverse industrial                             corporation with a reputation for aggressive development based on making                             acquisitions. (Thanks S Macleod)
YAHOO
You Always Have Other Options. This alternative bacronym , nothing to do with the website,                             is actually a wonderful maxim for life. Incidentally Yahoo founders Yang and                             Filo maintain they only chose the YA (Yet Another) part of the acronym, and                             then opted for the word Yahoo when it leapt out of the dictionary at them.                             Other interpretations include: Yet Another Hierarchical Officious                             Oracle, (which sometimes is attributed wrongly to Yang and Filo, but which                             was devised afterwards by persons unknown). Also: Yet Another Helpful                             Operation Origin and Yet Another Hypertext Online Organiser.
 
If you have other 'corporanyms' that you'd like to share please send them . Please note that Airlines and Automotive acronyms                             ('backronyms' are listed separately).
see also