Words that DO come from acronyms....

Posted by Pamela on December 01, 2006

In Reply to: Words that DO come from acronyms.... posted by Bob on November 29, 2006

: : : : I was poking about the site, looking at the Nonsense Nine, and reflecting on how easily people are duped into believing acronym origins for words: Port Out Starboard Home, Gentlemen Only Ladies Forbidden, Ship High In Transit. Does there exist (or should we collect) a definitive list of those few words that actually do derive from acronyms? Snafu, radar, etc.

: : : "We" could probably put together a list. FUBAR.

: : Laser, Nato, wysiwyg.

: Will we include "near acronyms" like sonar (SOund NAvigation Ranging) and Soho (the area of Manhattan SOuth of HOuston street)?

Scuba (as in scuba diver) is one that comes straight to mind (self contained breathing aparatus). A near acronym is laser (Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation), but I don't think they should count. LOL Pamela