The internet has certainly helped to fuel the rise of acronyms and initialisms. The same goes for the dreaded initialism – similar to an acronym, but spoken as initials rather than a word. We know that the inscriptions on ancient coins are abbreviated, with IMP, for example, representing Imperator.īut acronyms were extremely rare until fairly recently, notably around the early 20th century, when widespread literacy meant they were exposed to a much wider audience. Their primary purpose is to save time and space – reducing phrases to a collection of letters far easier and quicker to say and understand – but they have also turned into something of a fashion statement among the younger generation.Ī large number of people point the finger of blame for the surge in popularity of acronyms at techies and teenagers, yet abbreviations have been around for centuries. We encounter them more often that we might think, sometimes without even realising it, and this owes a lot to their dramatic rise since the early 20th century when literacy started to become more widespread. Acronyms play an important role in our daily lives – both at home and at work.
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