Acronyms 1: A-L
https://www.reddit.com/r/EncyclopaediaOfReddit/comments/12mp68c/acronyms_1_al/
created by EncyclopaediaBot on 15/04/2023 at 04:00 UTC*
46 upvotes, 0 top-level comments (showing 0)
Acronyms, initialisms, abbreviations, contractions, and other phrases which expand to something larger crop up in many online situations, with mixed feelings for some[1]. This first list gives an overview of some of the more widely used ones throughout Reddit along with explanatory links where applicable. I’ve also included a few frequently used slang words. Some of our specialised communities have a wide acronym and slang language of their own so it might be useful to check and see if they have a Wiki[2]. I’ve listed some more directories in the **See Also:** section below.
1: https://www.reddit.com/r/mildlyinfuriating/comments/1b23zcm/so_is_everyone_just_gonna_use_an_abbreviation_for/
2: https://www.reddit.com/r/EncyclopaediaOfReddit/comments/110nhrv/
- Ä - Occasionally used to denote screaming because of its specific pronunciation[3] in some non-English languages.
- AAVE - African American Vernacular English. A designation used by linguists to describe a North American dialect of English used by some Black people. Often heard in hip-hop or rap lyrics.
- ABDL - Adult Baby Diaper Lovers. A fetish term[4].
- ACAB - All Cops/Coppers Are Bastards. A derogatory acronym used by people who oppose the police for various reasons. Often used alongside or instead of ACAB is its numerical equivalent 1312, based on the letters’ alphabetical position (A is the 1st letter in the alphabet, etc.).
- ADHD - Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
- AF - As Fuck; an intensifier to an adjective, as in “I thought that behaviour was rude AF.”
- AFAB - Assigned Female At Birth - Refers to the sex that is assigned to an infant, most often based on the infant’s anatomical and other biological characteristics. Used in gender based discussion subs.
- AFAIA - As Far As I’m Aware.
- AFAIK[5] - As Far As I Know.
- AITA[6] - Am I The Asshole.
- AITB - Am I The Buttface; used in r/AmItheButtface.
- AITBA - Am I The Bad Apple; used in r/AmITheBadApple.
- AKA - Also Known As.
- Alt[7] - Alternative user account. You are allowed to have more than one Reddit account and are almost encouraged to if it’s necessary for privacy.
- AMA[8] - Ask Me Anything.
- AMAB - Assigned Male At Birth - Refers to the sex that is assigned to an infant, most often based on the infant’s anatomical and other biological characteristics. Used in gender based discussion subs.
- API - Application Programming Interface. Software that allows third-party programs to tap into a company's data.
- ARG - Alternate Reality Game[9].
- ASAP - As Soon As Possible.
- ASMR - Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response. A perceptual sensory phenomenon triggered by specific auditory or visual stimuli which encompasses a pleasant and calming “tingling” sensation localised to the scalp and neck in those able to experience it.
- ASOIAF - George R. R. Martin's fantasy novels "A Song Of Ice And Fire", televised as "Game of Thrones". The r/asoiaf subreddit has a dedicated glossary of its own[10].
- ATM - At The Moment.
- AWOL - Absent Without Official Leave. A military acronym meaning leaving or being absent without having permission or notifying anyone first. Like “bunking off” or “throwing a sickie”.
3: https://www.reddit.com/r/LearnFinnish/comments/13fqsax/pronunciation_for_%C3%A4/
4: https://www.reddit.com/r/awfuleverything/s/ICWMo3mjD1
5: https://www.reddit.com/r/EncyclopaediaOfReddit/comments/110mkda/
6: https://www.reddit.com/r/EncyclopaediaOfReddit/comments/110mkds/
7: https://www.reddit.com/r/EncyclopaediaOfReddit/comments/110mkf3/
8: https://www.reddit.com/r/EncyclopaediaOfReddit/comments/110mkgb/
9: https://wiki.gamedetectives.net/index.php?title=Wiki_FAQ#What_is_an_ARG.3F
10: https://www.reddit.com/r/asoiaf/wiki/acronyms/
- BAME - Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic.
- BBC - British Broadcasting Corporation. On Reddit, more likely to refer to an NSFW stereotype for a particular body part of a specific colour and size. Clue: one of these young male chickens, spelled without the ‘….erel’ at the end.[11]
- BDSM - Bondage, Dominance, Sadism, Masochism.
- BEDMAS - A mnemonic for remembering the order of operations in mathematics as follows: Brackets, Exponents, Division, Multiplication, Addition, and Subtraction. Can also be written as BODMAS with the O standing for Orders. See also: PEMDAS.
- BFF - Best Friend/s Forever.
- BFG - Big Fucking Gun. **Context Dependent** because:
- BFG - In Book, Reading or Movie related subs, this may refer to the Roald Dahl work the Big Friendly Giant[12].
- BIPOC - Black, Indigenous, and People Of Colour.
- BTS - Behind The Scenes. **Context Dependent** because:
- BTS - A South Korean boy group 방탄소년단, most commonly known as BTS, Beyond the Scene, or Bangtan Boys. See r/bangtan.
- BTW - By The Way.
- BWTM - But Wait, There's More.
11: https://i.redd.it/zbmce9bzoota1.jpg
12: https://www.bustle.com/articles/169615-the-meaning-of-the-bfg-will-surprise-roald-dahl-fans
- Cap - A term from African American Vernacular English (AAVE) meaning a lie or something wildly exaggerated or false[13]. See also: No Cap.
- CCW - Concealed Carry Weapon (US). Concealed carry, or carrying a concealed weapon is the practice of carrying a weapon (such as a handgun) in public in a concealed manner, either on one's person or in close proximity.
- Cis - Short for the word “Cisgender” which describes a person whose gender identity corresponds to their sex assigned at birth, i.e., someone who is not transgender. The prefix cis- is Latin and means ‘on this side of’ which is the opposite of trans-, meaning 'across from' or 'on the other side of’[14].
- CMV[15] - Change My View. This is used to start debates, so engage with caution.
- CMYK - Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Key (black). The colours used in the printing process.
- CP - Child Pornography. While this term is still widely used by the public, RAINN (the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network)[16] believes it's more accurate to call it evidence of child sexual abuse and, among other organisations, have switched to referring to it as CSAM - Child Sexual Abuse Materials.
- CPS - Child Protection Service (US). A government agency that addresses child welfare. Depending on the jurisdiction you live in, your location may use a different acronym such as CFS (Child & Family Services). **Context Dependent** because:
- CPS - Crown Prosecution Service (UK). The principal public agency for conducting criminal prosecutions in England and Wales. Child protection services in the UK are known as Social Services.
- CSAM - Child Sexual Abuse Materials. Formerly known as “CP”.
- Cuck - Short for the archaic word “cuckold”, meaning a man whose wife/girlfriend is cheating on him. In recent times, this pejorative has taken on a wider and much darker meaning[17].
- CW - Content Warning. Used to indicate that what follows may be disturbing to some readers. See also: TW.
13: https://www.reddit.com/r/OutOfTheLoop/comments/p5cmke/comment/h95pm26/
14: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cisgender
15: https://www.reddit.com/r/EncyclopaediaOfReddit/comments/110mmff/
16: https://www.rainn.org
17: https://www.reddit.com/r/EnglishLearning/comments/gysrl8/comment/ftcgf76/
- DAE[18] - Does Anybody Else.
- DARVO - A term used in relationship subreddits like r/NarcissisticAbuse. DARVO[19] stands for *Deny*, *Attack*, and *Reverse Victim and Offender* and is also referred to as victim blaming. Not quite the same as gaslighting; DARVO is more about deflecting or changing the subject.
- DB - Dead Bedroom. Used in Relationship subs to describe a severely inadequate or nonexistent sexual relationship.
- Delta; Delta Mark - The delta symbol (∆) is used on r/changemyview to denote a user did indeed change their view. Instructions on this delta system[20] can be found in their sidebar.
- DGAF - Don’t Give A Fuck.
- DM[21] - Direct Message.
- DNF - Did Not Finish. Often used in Book or Craft related subs in reference to an unfinished book or project.
- DNR - Do Not Resuscitate. An instruction often in the form of a legal document that means a person has decided not to have cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) attempted on them if their heart or breathing stops.
- DO40 - Dating Over 40. DO50 would be Dating Over 50 etc. Used in Relationship subs.
18: https://www.reddit.com/r/EncyclopaediaOfReddit/comments/110mnmz/
19: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DARVO
20: https://www.reddit.com/r/changemyview/wiki/deltasystem/
21: https://www.reddit.com/r/EncyclopaediaOfReddit/comments/110mo9s/
- ELI5[22] - Explain Like I'm 5 (years old).
- ESH[23] - Everyone Sucks Here.
- ESL[24] - English (as a / is my) Second Language. **Context Dependent** because:
- ESL - File extensions for certain plug-ins or game mods[25].
- ETA - Edited To Add. See also: ETA; Edit:[26]. **Context Dependent** because:
- ETA - Estimated Time (of) Arrival.
22: https://www.reddit.com/r/EncyclopaediaOfReddit/comments/110motc/
23: https://www.reddit.com/r/EncyclopaediaOfReddit/comments/110mp59/
24: https://www.reddit.com/r/EncyclopaediaOfReddit/comments/110mp7h/
25: https://www.reddit.com/r/skyrimmods/comments/7nslch/whats_the_difference_between_esl_esp_and_bsa_files/
26: https://www.reddit.com/r/EncyclopaediaOfReddit/comments/110mp9g/
- FAFO - Fuck Around and Find Out. Sometimes known as the FA=FO equation. A euphemistic initialism used to convey a warning or a challenge. The implication is that if someone continues to engage in risky or reckless behavior, they will eventually face negative consequences.
- FB - Facebook.
- FFS - For Fuck’s Sake. A euphemistic initialism used to express intense exasperation, frustration, anger, etc., implying the need for but without using explicit vulgarity. **Context Dependent** because:
- FFS - Facial Feminisation Surgery. Procedures that can reshape the face and its features to achieve a more feminine appearance where hormone therapy is not enough to achieve the desired gender-affirming changes.
- FML - Fuck My Life. An expression of rueful chagrin or exclamation of annoyance or frustration when things are not going well.
- FOMO[27] - Fear Of Missing Out
- FR - For Real. A slang term that is commonly used to express agreement, confirmation, or sincerity.
- FTFY[28] - Fixed That For You.
- FTM - Female To Male. A trans person who was assigned female sex at birth, and now lives as a man with a masculine gender identity. Used in gender based discussion subs.
- FTW - For The Win. Used to express approval or support. **Context Dependent** because:
- FTW - Fuck The World. Used as an expression of disenchantment with life in general or with a particular situation.
- FUBAR - Fucked Up Beyond All Repair. A military term[29] meaning thoroughly confused, disordered, damaged or ruined.
- FWB - Friend/s With Benefits. A sexual but non-romantic relationship with no commitment.
- FWIW[30] - For What It’s Worth.
- FYI - For Your Information.
27: https://www.reddit.com/r/EncyclopaediaOfReddit/comments/110msu7/
28: https://www.reddit.com/r/EncyclopaediaOfReddit/comments/110mt5p/
29: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_military_slang_terms
30: https://www.reddit.com/r/EncyclopaediaOfReddit/comments/110mt6y/
- GRSM - Gender, Romantic, and Sexual Minorities. An alternative term sometimes used for the LGBT+ community.[31]
- GTFO - Get The Fuck Out.
- GYAT - Get Your Act Together. Generally used to tell someone they're behaving inappropriately or telling them to behave in a better manner. **Context Dependent** because:
- GYAT - An AAVE (African American Vernacular English) term (also spelled as GYATT) of exclamation used to express strong excitement, surprise, or admiration. A short form of saying “goddamn”. Popularised on Twitch streams[32], it is most commonly used as an expression of appreciation for women with curvy figures and may be used as a noun to mean a large butt.
31: https://www.reddit.com/r/asexuality/comments/snwe0z/grsm_lgbtq_or_both/
32: https://gamequitters.com/what-is-twitch/
- HAM - Hard Ass/As a Motherfucker. A euphemistic initialism used to express being brutal, unstoppable, working hard, etc., implying the need for but without using explicit vulgarity.
- HIFW - How I Feel When.
- HMU - Hit Me Up. **Context Dependent**; either ask me for a favour or contact me.
- HOA - Home Owners Associations (US). Private organizations that oversee the management of some residential communities. HOAs establish sets of rules and regulations (often called “bylaws”) for those living in the community to follow.
- HRT - Hormone Replacement Therapy. A treatment that helps people with symptoms of menopause.
- IAmA[33] - I Am A.
- IANAD[34] - I Am Not A Doctor.
- IANAL[35] - I Am Not A Lawyer.
- ICYMI[36] - In Case You Missed It.
- IDC[37] - I Don’t Care.
- IDEK[38] - I Don’t Even Know.
- IDGAF - I Don’t Give A Fuck.
- IDK[39] - I Don’t Know.
- IG - I Guess. Can also be short for Instagram.
- IIRC[40] - If I Recall/Remember Correctly.
- IJBOL - I Just Burst Out Laughing. An alternative to LMAO often used in K-pop communities.
- IKR - I Know, Right? When you wholeheartedly agree with what someone is saying.
- IME - In My Experience.
- IMHO - In My Honest/Humble Opinion.
- IMO - In My Opinion.
- INCEL - A portmanteau of "involuntary celibate". A member of an online subculture of people (usually male) who define themselves as unable to get a romantic or sexual partner despite desiring one.
- IRL[41] - In Real Life.
- IRTR[42] - I Read The Rules. Mandatory in post titles or first comment for some subs.
- ITAP[43] - I Took A Picture.
- IYKYK - If You Know, You Know. If you were there, you'd know, but if you weren't, you wouldn't.
33: https://www.reddit.com/r/EncyclopaediaOfReddit/comments/110muo2/
34: https://www.reddit.com/r/EncyclopaediaOfReddit/comments/110muqj/
35: https://www.reddit.com/r/EncyclopaediaOfReddit/comments/110mus8/
36: https://www.reddit.com/r/EncyclopaediaOfReddit/comments/110muu9/
37: https://www.reddit.com/r/EncyclopaediaOfReddit/comments/110muwf/
38: https://www.reddit.com/r/EncyclopaediaOfReddit/comments/110muxs/
39: https://www.reddit.com/r/EncyclopaediaOfReddit/comments/110mv2b/
40: https://www.reddit.com/r/EncyclopaediaOfReddit/comments/110mv92/
41: https://www.reddit.com/r/EncyclopaediaOfReddit/comments/110mvx6/
42: https://www.reddit.com/r/EncyclopaediaOfReddit/comments/110mvz5/
43: https://www.reddit.com/r/EncyclopaediaOfReddit/comments/110mw3b/
- K-pop - Popular music originating from South Korea[44].
- kys[45] - Kill Your Self. This is an acronym you should always report immediately[46] if you see it being used on Reddit. Originating in gaming communities, this is shorthand for “kill your self [sic]” as an “edgy” way to say “fuck you”. However, Reddit believes that suicide is a very serious subject and this kind of language should not be taken lightly. Inviting someone to commit suicide is against our code of conduct and may well incur a ban.
44: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/K-pop
45: https://www.reddit.com/r/EncyclopaediaOfReddit/comments/110mwl9/
46: https://www.reddit.com/r/LearnToReddit/comments/qyxjyk/how_to_report/
- LAOP - Legal Advice Original Poster; used in r/bestoflegaladvice to differentiate the Original Poster of the original post from the person crossposting to the discussion sub.
- LARP; LARPer[47] - Live Action Role Play.
- LDR[48] - Long Distance Relationship.
- LE - Law Enforcement.
- LGBT+; LGBTQIA+ - Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (or sometimes Questioning), Intersex, Asexual, and Others. Sometimes referred to pejoratively as “The alphabet community”[49].
- LMAO - Laughing My Ass (US) / Arse (UK) Off. An intensified “LOL” or “Laugh Out Loud”. The entry on Jargon[50] has a look at the changing meaning of “LOL” over the years.
- LMK - Let Me Know.
- LPT[51] - Life Pro Tip.
- LTR - Long-Term Relationship.
No doubt you will find acronyms across both Reddit and the internet that I don’t list in this encyclopaedia; the links below may help in this case, and another good place to start is at abbreviations.com[52], or the very comprehensive Acronym Finder[53]. Explanations and appreciation of word origins can be had at r/etymology.
47: https://www.reddit.com/r/EncyclopaediaOfReddit/comments/110mwn6/
48: https://www.reddit.com/r/EncyclopaediaOfReddit/comments/110mwpc/
49: https://www.reddit.com/r/AskLGBT/comments/1b7hazx/how_do_we_feel_about_the_term_the_alphabet/
50: https://www.reddit.com/r/EncyclopaediaOfReddit/comments/110mw7m/
51: https://www.reddit.com/r/EncyclopaediaOfReddit/comments/110mx58/
52: https://www.abbreviations.com
53: https://www.acronymfinder.com
- Acronyms 2: M-Z[54]
- Acronyms 3: Abbreviations[55]
- F or "F" In The Comments[56]
- Gaslighting[57]
- Jargon[58]
- Other Useful Dictionaries, Encyclopaedias and Lexicons[59]
- Relationship Sub Acronyms and Initialisms[60]
- Tone Indicators[61]
Comments
There's nothing here!
