Words that are actually acronyms - laser

[wong]

Recently it struck me that laser is actually L.A.S.E.R (light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation), but I assume that most people will have forgotten that its actually an acronym.
Likewise, Self contained underwater breathing apparatus.

Any other acronyms in common use whose origins (are mostly) forgotten.

[selym]

Tardis.

[wong]

selym said:

Tardis.

which stands for?

[marshalla]

RAdio Detection And Ranging

[parabolica]

modulator demodulator.

Or Modem.

[eldar]

Radar.

[selym]

wong said:

selym said:

Tardis.

which stands for?

Time and Relative Dimensions in Space. Or gobbledegook to that effect.

[silverthorn2151]

Norwich

knickers off etc etc

Other meanings are available.

[Driller]

RAM, ROM, CD etc

The French even insist that CDROM never was one spelling it as they do "cédérom"

[mrtwisty]

silverthorn2151 said:

Norwich

knickers off etc etc

Other meanings are available.

OXFORD UNITED

[droopsnoot]

As opposed to the police computer system that I suspect must be a backronym due to the tautology - HOLMES - Home Office Large Major Enquiry System.

I was quite impressed by whoever thought up the alternate definition for PCMCIA as People Can't Memorise Computer Industry Acronyms.

Modem doesn't count though, surely?

[Morningside]

SCUBA.

[Fane]

Fiat. And the "Alfa" bit of Alfa Romeo.

[parabolica]

droopsnoot said:

Modem doesn't count though, surely?

You might be right actually; I can't recall the name given to words which are made up using the first few letters of other words...

[ukbabz]

ASDA = Asquith + Dairies

[Mothersruin]

Lotus.

[Morningside]

BASE as in Base Jumping.

[austinsmirk]

come on PH..............

TVR !!!


without which, this forum wouldn't be here.


does ABBA count ?

[aww999]

TASER - Thomas A. Swifts Electric Rifle. It was then inventor's favourite story as a child apparently.

[GroundEffect]

austinsmirk said:

come on PH..............

TVR !!!


without which, this forum wouldn't be here.

But TVR isn't a word in-of-itself? The point of the thread?