Everyone loves the short and crispy things and a bit of code. While acronyms and abbreviations are great little tools that make your communication faster and more fun, specifically when you are trying to type fast in these busy times when one at times finds it hard to grasp for a breath, more so while talking or chatting to someone using a slippery smartphone. And in English, one really cannot get away from them.
In this blog Ms Sonu Goel, Founder and Director of Café Converse which is Delhi’s Top institute for learning spoken English shares some of the most important abbreviations that you should know.
But first a quick fact check. Abbreviations are shorter versions of words and at times end in a period. For instance accom for accommodation. They are also pronounceable, so when you read them they look like a word. For example AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences)
ASAP – As Soon as Possible
Perhaps one of the most commonly heard abbreviations. Can you do this ASAP? Reads a mail sent by your boss. This could or could not create panic. But anyhow you do not have much time to think.
AM/PM – Before Midday (Morning) and After Midday (Afternoon)
There is a big difference between 5 in the morning and 5 in the afternoon. And these little terms have it covered. Remember, never use them if you use 24-hour time format (6 PM is the same as 18:00) and be careful to set your alarm properly. A “morning” alarm that goes off at 6 PM doesn’t help at all.
RSVP – Please Reply
As with so many words of English, this comes from French. RSVP stands for “Répondez s’il vous plait”. You will mostly see this request on invitations to weddings and other parties. And yes, please do reply – that way, the bride or host knows exactly how much food to order.
BRB – Be Right Back
Sometimes while chatting, something needs your attention, be it the doorbell, a pet wanting to be let out or an irresistible food craving. Don’t sweat it – simply let your friend know you will BRB.
DOB – Date of Birth
“What is my DOB?” you may have wondered the first time you saw this while filling a form. After all, it does sound like a poorly selected item of clothing or foul type of medicine. Well, rest assured you do have a DOB – everyone has. You celebrate yours each year with far too much cake, ice cream, and friends and family.
CC/BCC – Carbon Copy/Blind Carbon Copy
Even though they refer to the age of email, these terms take their names from the analog years when copies were created using carbon paper. Quick etiquette tip: when adding other people to the CC email field, remember they “can clearly” see who else has received the email. (And don’t “reply all” unless you REALLY wish to!).
ETA – Estimated Time of Arrival
“Meet you on Tuesday, ETA 8 PM.” You may see this when someone is traveling but is not sure of when their flight or train gets in.
N/A- Not Available/Not Applicable
It is used mainly while filling out a form. Especially, when that question is not relevant to you.
aka – Also Known As
This small beauty is used to refer to someone or something by another name – mostly a nickname, such as how your sister (might) refer to his newborn baby (“This is Danny, aka ‘The crying alarm’”), or how cricket fan refers to a much-loved cricketer, Chris Gayle, aka ‘Universe Boss’.
In this blog Ms. Sonu Goel, Founder and Director of Café Converse which is Delhi’s Top institute for learning spoken English shares some of the most important abbreviations that you should know.
But first a quick fact check. Abbreviations are shorter versions of words and at times end in a period. For instance accom for accommodation. They are also pronounceable, so when you read them they look like a word. For example AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences)
ASAP – As Soon as Possible
Perhaps one of the most commonly heard abbreviations. Can you do this ASAP? Reads a mail sent by your boss. This could or could not create panic. But anyhow you do not have much time to think.
AM/PM – Before Midday (Morning) and After Midday (Afternoon)
There is a big difference between 5 in the morning and 5 in the afternoon. And these little terms have it covered. Remember, never use them if you use 24-hour time format (6 PM is the same as 18:00) and be careful to set your alarm properly. A “morning” alarm that goes off at 6 PM doesn’t help at all.
RSVP – Please Reply
As with so many words of English, this comes from French. RSVP stands for “Répondez s’il vous plait”. You will mostly see this request on invitations to weddings and other parties. And yes, please do reply – that way, the bride or host knows exactly how much food to order.
BRB – Be Right Back
Sometimes while chatting, something needs your attention, be it the doorbell, a pet wanting to be let out or an irresistible food craving. Don’t sweat it – simply let your friend know you will BRB.
DOB – Date of Birth
“What is my DOB?” you may have wondered the first time you saw this while filling a form. After all, it does sound like a poorly selected item of clothing or foul type of medicine. Well, rest assured you do have a DOB – everyone has. You celebrate yours each year with far too much cake, ice cream, and friends and family.
CC/BCC – Carbon Copy/Blind Carbon Copy
Even though they refer to the age of email, these terms take their names from the analog years when copies were created using carbon paper. Quick etiquette tip: when adding other people to the CC email field, remember they “can clearly” see who else has received the email. (And don’t “reply all” unless you REALLY wish to!).
ETA – Estimated Time of Arrival
“Meet you on Tuesday, ETA 8 PM.” You may see this when someone is traveling but is not sure of when their flight or train gets in.
N/A- Not Available/Not Applicable
It is used mainly while filling out a form. Especially, when that question is not relevant to you.
aka – Also Known As
This small beauty is used to refer to someone or something by another name – mostly a nickname, such as how your sister (might) refer to his newborn baby (“This is Danny, aka ‘The crying alarm’”), or how cricket fan refers to a much-loved cricketer, Chris Gayle, aka ‘Universe Boss’.
Ms Sonu Goel is a professionally acclaimed certified ESL trainer from the British Council having 15 years of strong background for teaching the English language in both online and physical classes. She is dedicated to teaching of English in an interactive and practical way, whereby learners feel enriched with knowledge and experience the language hands-on. She uses creative ideas and aids to let the learning happen as organically and efficiently as possible. Ms Goel has travelled to various European countries and experienced an array of cultures and linguistic skills for the English language.
To learn more about Sonu Goel please visit : https://cafeconverse.com/best-english-tutor-coach-teacher-sonu-goel.html
