Acronymic Mockery, Folk Acronyms

Paul paulzjoh at MTNHOME.COM
Sat Jun 12 18:01:16 UTC 2010


airlines http://www.netfunny.com/rhf/jokes/91q3/airlines.html

On 6/12/2010 12:48 PM, Mark Peters wrote:
> Hey folks,
>
> I’m writing a column this week on what I’m calling “Acronymic Mockery,” a form of folk acronym—specifically, how people are saying that BP really stands for “Bungled Plugjob,” “Brazen Polluters,” “Beyond Punishment,” etc.
>
> I’m trying to get as many other examples as I can too. I’ve found plenty involving the CIA, FBI, NRA, and NFL, such as the well-known “No Fun League” and “People Eating Tasting Animals” (PETA). Any other examples come to mind? This isn’t really about folk acronyms proposed as etymology, but what the hell, if there’s a not-so-well-known example, I’d welcome that too.
>
> If anyone knows of an article about this, that tip would be particularly appreciated. I found a couple old ones in the Journal of American Folklore, but there must be more. Thanks!
>
> Mark
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------
> The American Dialect Society - http://www.americandialect.org
>
>

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"The trouble with the rat race is that even if you win, you're still a rat."
                                        Lily Tomlin

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