I know that an acronym is initials that actually make another word, like "qantas" or "anzac" but what is it called when they are just initials, like "TCB" or "SOS"
2006-07-08 01:32:22 · 6 answers · asked by catsup 4 in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
TCB is NOT an acronym since it doesn't produce a pronounceable "word." Among grammarians, it is called an "initialism." An initialism is a form of abbreviation derived from the first letter of each word, but each letter is pronounced. By the way, "scuba" (it is NOT capitalized) is now a legitimate word in English and is no longer considered an acroynym, although it once was.
2006-07-08 05:26:31 · answer #1 · answered by Fall Down Laughing 7 · 6⤊ 1⤋
It's still an acronym; It's just that some stuck as real words because they were easier to say: SCUBA (Self contained underwater breating aparratus) AWOL (Absent without leave) FUBAR: F ckd up beyond all recognition) instead of RSVP or BYOB
2006-07-08 09:07:50 · answer #2 · answered by Sidoney 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They are still acronyms because SOS means "save our souls" and TCB means "taking care of business" ( I think).
2006-07-08 09:12:46 · answer #3 · answered by Leigh S 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
initials
2006-07-08 13:15:41 · answer #4 · answered by uniqueawoban 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
good question! i will be watching to find out, its one of those things you never think of then when someone else asks, it makes you go hmmmmm.......
=)
lily
2006-07-08 08:37:29 · answer #5 · answered by lily 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
abbreviation, shortform
2006-07-09 15:00:01 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋