A Long Post About Short Words

In our on-the-go society, the latest way to communicate is through abbreviated words and acronyms. These methods of shorthand are very convenient and efficient; you can convey a lot of information with very little text. Unfortunately, we run into the issue that the information itself is not always clear. When you use acronyms or shorthand, you must assume that the reader understands what your code words mean.

Acronyms can be industry-specific (SQL) or universal (USA). Often, we develop the acronym to resonate when spoken, and somehow reference that which it describes (TARP is an acronym for Troubled Assets Relief Program which is the 2008 US stimulus package in response to the subprime mortgage crisis; the pronounced word "tarp" is a waterproofed canvas used to cover something up or squelch a fire). We have also adopted some acronyms into our lexicon as the name for the thing itself (laser, radar, ATM, PIN).

When you utilize an abbreviation to explain your intent, it is your responsibility as the writer/speaker to make sure that your audience is already educated about its full meaning. If the initials are used in our everyday language, this is usually not a problem. When speaking on an industry-specific level, however, you cannot assume that your audience is already fully knowledgeable. On formal documentation, you may benefit from detailing the meaning of the initials when you first use them:

The Fine Art show was on display at SFMOMA (San Francisco Museum of Modern Art).

... and then you can feel free to use only the acronym throughout the remainder of the document:

The collection began it's tour in New York, and then traveled to SFMOMA last month.

Without a brief explanation at the start, the use of acronyms tends to elevate the conversation above the general audience. Only those directly involved with the programs discussed will
understand, thus blocking out most of the audience who may be involved in your conversation. It can be viewed as an elitist approach, as if you are speaking a foreign language in front of others.

Similarly, shorthand derived from wireless texting (Text Message Shorthand) has found its way into professional communication. More and more, I see emails written with a shortened greeting, the use of initials rather than a full name, or notes written entirely in shortened text (I am guilty of this myself). Many of the abbreviations used in wireless texting have multiple meanings depending upon the context, or are so new to the digital language that they are not widely recognized. Emails written in short also take on a much more intimate, personal and lax characteristic, removing any professionalism that you may have intended. When coupled with the use of acronyms for hyper-shorthand, the result might be entirely unintelligible.

AFAIU Bob & Mary 8 P-ZA 2DAY @ SFMOMA - TAFN TTUL!

I am entirely in favor of streamlining your communication and making your conversations in the digital age more efficient. I just caution you to use your acronyms and shorthand carefully so that your audience will actually understand what you mean. If you have to explain yourself, you defeat the purpose of shortening your communication in the first place.

| Photo credit: ThadGuy.com |
| Noteworthy post: BlogHarbor |