Are IMHO, IIRC, FWIW considered textspeak?

[nomis3613]

Hi Mods,
Just wondering if it's ok for me to use these acronyms in my posts?

Thanks,
Simon

 

[Pupik]

Generally, well-known (internet-wise, that is) acronyms are okay, but in limited usage. Overuse of them in several short posts borders on chat-speak.

There's no exact number of how many is permitted or not, but from my experience, it seems to be that if you are already spelling out words, punctuating, and spelling as best as possible, then it is okay, OK? From the likes of your posts, nomis3613, I don't see a problem with that.

You also have to expect that not everyone will know what "FWIW" means in a thread conversation; thus, you have to be understanding in return. (Not that interrupting the thread to save 30-seconds of Google-time is any more acceptable a gesture.) If the thread is long enough, it is sort of expected, rather than typing out the same couple of words all the time.

There's also so many that are used so often within all of our specialist discussions of gaming, automobiles, local terminology, and technology that even we as moderators forget that they are almost commonplace, which can make even the most manicured and finely-written posts illegible to someone not in the know.

 

[DKLion3s]

Hi Pupik, just a correction.

Illegible, pertains to writing. On the otherhand incomprehensible or indecipherable is more appropriate, for this discussion.


Regards.

 

[Clark]

For reference what is FWIW?

 

[TB]

^ For what it's worth.

 

[blaaah]

Tricky one as they are listed in the Oxford English Dictionary, but they don't seem right in a discussion. (By the way, they are abbreviations not acronyms, an acronym is an abbreviation you speak as if it's a real word like NASA, we don't say FWIW as a real word so it's just a plain abbreviation.)
Examples of what do not appear in the OED* are "u" and "2" referring to "you" and "to or too".

*Any abbreviation of names or phrases is acceptable English if you have already spelt in out in full.

 

[Jordan]

FYI, they are fine in most situations on GTP. IMHO, you should always be careful not to use too many TLAs or DFLAs any time you write as they can often make your posts FUBAR.

 

[DKLion3s]

FYI, they are fine in most situations on GTP. IMHO, you should always be careful not to use too many TLAs or DFLAs any time you write as they can often make your posts FUBAR.

Why do I get the impression that this is bate? Jordan.

 

[Hun200kmh]

TLA? DFLA? FUBAR?


I think I'll report you Jordan

 

[Jordan]

TLA? DFLA? FUBAR?


I think I'll report you Jordan

It's happened before! I've managed to stay clear of any warnings or infractions, though.

 

[NFSCARBON1]

It's happened before! I've managed to stay clear of any warnings or infractions, though.

I wonder why????


💡

 

[nomis3613]

Thanks heaps, everyone. For both the info and the chuckles. I'll use them sparingly, because I do prefer that people can understand my posts!

I don't understand why Jordan's talking about a low budget Canadian film, though.

 

[Wenders]

It's happened before! I've managed to stay clear of any warnings or infractions, though.

Just goes to show that sleeping with the boss gets you everywhere

 

[Shaun]

It's an interesting one this.

Being honest I didn't know what two of these acronyms meant IIRC and FWIW.

I thought I knew what IMHO was until I checked here http://www.noslang.com/index.php

I've always assumed it was In My Honest Opinion

Personally I think as long as you don't go over the top with it as Pupik stated it's not to bad. It took me about 15 seconds to find the link above to decipher said acronyms. I'll be keeping it handy from now on.

 

[Lizard]

Edit delete

 

[Hayden]

TLA? DFLA? FUBAR?

TLA=Three letter acronym
DFLA=Damn Four Letter Acronym
FUBAR=F'd up beyond all recognition
LOL= Laugh out loud

This one is my favourite though 💡
aaaaa= American/Australian association against acronym abuse

 

[AMG.]

acronyms in my posts?

If in doubt, you could always check my signature. It links to a near three year old thread that lists a number of TLA's used on this site that have been "accepted" here. But as said above, don't overuse them.

 

[W3H5]

I've spent forever just assuming that many people on this site were dyslexic or made up their own words.
I've never understood the point of text speak because it can confuse simple minded people like myself.
After reading this post I've now worked out what half the internet is talking about when they write these abbreviations!
Laugh out loud!