Alphabetism

An alphabetism is a form of abbreviation which is created by using the first letter of every word in a phrase to spell out a new word, much like an acronym. Unlike acronyms, which can usually be read as words, alphabetisms are read and said by spelling out each letter, as in “u es em cee” for USMC, an alphabetism derived from the United States Marine Corps. You may also hear an alphabetism referred to as an initialism, referencing the idea that it takes the initial letter of each word in a phrase to build an acronym.

When an alphabetism is constructed, little thought is given to pronunciation, because there is no intent of pronouncing the alphabetism. However, most people do try to think about the possibility of creating a spoonerism by accident when they make an alphabetism. A spoonerism is a word or phrase in which letters or sounds are switched around, creating a play on words. Some spoonerisms are harmless, but in some cases, an alphabetism might closely approximate a naughty word, especially when viewed at a glance, and this is not desired.

Nearby pages
Alphabetization, Alphanumeric, Alpharetta, Alpheus, Alphonse Bertillon, Alphonse Daudet