Acronyms and otherwise

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Not commonly

I like distinctions like acronym vs.initialism, but a quick look around the Web confirms that in modern use, acronym means an abbreviation made from initial letters of a name, whether or not the letters form a word.

Distinctions like acronym vs.initialism only survive when they contribute something useful—when they clarify or prevent confusion. When two words mean the same thing, except for a distinction that is unimportant or even artificial, the word that is shorter or easier to say eventually takes over.

Bruce more than 9 years ago

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