Is AFAIK an acronym?
Thu, 10/12/2009 - 4:06am — gromitJL
First question: What does AFAIK stand for? Answer: As far as I know.
Second question: Is AFAIK an acronym? Answer: No (but you may think otherwise).
I always think I know what an acronym is, until one day, after having a class in linguistics (on word-formation) that it suddenly dawned on me that I have been wrong all along! According to Cambridge Online Dictionary, an acronym is "an abbreviation consisting of the first letters of each word in the name of something, pronounced as a word". The point is an acronym can be pronounced as a word! Therefore, MTR (Mass Transit Railway) is not an acronym and neither is AFAIK strictly speaking.
I also looked up 'acronym' in Wikipedia and found out that there is actually a difference between acronyms and initialisms. Anyway, here is a list of acronyms for reference:
- AIDS: an acronym for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
- NATO: an acronym for North Atlantic Treaty Organization
- laser: an acronym for light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation (I really don't know laser is also an acronym until I read it in wiki. Forgive my ignorance!)
I am really glad that I have finally managed to know what a 'true' acronym is! So if I ask you if FYI is an acronym, what will be your answer?
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Sun, 21/02/2010 - 9:31pm — Helen1
Sorry gromit ,i want write a message to your Message Wall but i can't find it .You said go to your profile page,but i can't come.I am very sorry i am new here so sorry with you.If you have time we together online.Do you?:)
Mon, 08/02/2010 - 4:29am — gromitJL
So glad to be friends with you, Helen1! You can click on my user name to go to my profile page and then write a message on my Message Wall. Actually I also wrote a message on your Wall, please have a look! =]
I do look forward to reading more blogs from you and I'll try to write some too during the Spring Festival holiday too. Wish you a great Year of the Tiger!
Mon, 08/02/2010 - 3:44am — Helen1
I am here gromit .I don't know how to give your message so i write to your blog.Yeah,hope we make friends.I'm very happy to know you and i will write more blog when i have time.:)