I too abhor the use of "acronym" for something that is not pronounced (or pronounceable) as a word, though I have always called such things as "FBI" abbreviations. But initialisms as a subset of abbreviations will be a good word for me to adopt here on out.
I almost went into that but decided not to. It’s awful-looking. The worst, to be sure, is Aids. (It’s not a universal habit over there, I think, and yet…)
Reading your note about acronyms, I was reminded of Liam Neeson in "Love Actually" (italics don't seem to be available in comments, so quotation marks will have to do), saying "Thank the Lord!". A major peeve of mine, people calling things "acronyms" that are not. Clearly written note, as usual. I suppose some acronyms start life that way, having been composed to be pronounceable ("scuba", for example, seems suspiciously pronounceable), but I wonder if others are initially initialisms, then gradually morph into acronyms as they gain currency (FOMO? FSBO?)--I wonder if we'll start pronouncing FAFO as a word at some point.
To paraphrase the late great Huddie Ledbetter:
“Oh, boys, can’t you line ‘em, jack-a-lack
“Oh boys, can’t you line ‘em, jack-a-lack
“Oh boys, can’t you (dead) line ‘em, that radio track!”
I too abhor the use of "acronym" for something that is not pronounced (or pronounceable) as a word, though I have always called such things as "FBI" abbreviations. But initialisms as a subset of abbreviations will be a good word for me to adopt here on out.
Scott seems like a lovely guy, and it was good to hear your speaking voice, Benjamin.
Is that how Dreyer is pronounced? I think I would have acknowledged the first 'e' a little more.
Dry-uhr. Simple as that. And thank you!
Noted :>)
I know this isn't part of the discussion, but the British using lower case for acronyms hurts my eyes (eg, Unicef or Nato).
I almost went into that but decided not to. It’s awful-looking. The worst, to be sure, is Aids. (It’s not a universal habit over there, I think, and yet…)
So very cool!
According to this link to the National Archives, the photographer of the wonderful cover photograph was George W. Ackerman: https://www.archives.gov/exhibits/picturing_the_century/port_ackerman/port_ackerman_img36.html
The literalness (literally!) of the origin of "deadline" slayed me.
Oh, well sleuthed! I’ll update! Thanks, Pryor!
My pleasure, and thank you!
Reading your note about acronyms, I was reminded of Liam Neeson in "Love Actually" (italics don't seem to be available in comments, so quotation marks will have to do), saying "Thank the Lord!". A major peeve of mine, people calling things "acronyms" that are not. Clearly written note, as usual. I suppose some acronyms start life that way, having been composed to be pronounceable ("scuba", for example, seems suspiciously pronounceable), but I wonder if others are initially initialisms, then gradually morph into acronyms as they gain currency (FOMO? FSBO?)--I wonder if we'll start pronouncing FAFO as a word at some point.