backronym

back·ro·nym

B b

Transcription

- US Pronunciation
- US IPA
- [bak-ruh-nim]
- /ˈbæk rə nɪm/

- US Pronunciation
- US IPA
- [bak-ruh-nim]
- /ˈbæk rə nɪm/

Definitions of backronym word

noun backronym an existing word turned into an acronym by creating an apt phrase whose initial letters match the word, as to help remember it or offer a theory of its origin. For example, rap has been said to be a backronym of “rhythm and poetry.”. 1
noun backronym the phrase itself. For example, “port out, starboard home” is a misleading backronym for posh . 1
noun backronym A fanciful expansion of an existing acronym or word, such as “ port out, starboard home ” for posh. 1
noun Definition of backronym in Technology (jargon) (Backward acronym) A word which has been turned into an acronym by inventing an expansion, rather than the other way around. E.g. "ping". 1
noun backronym A word that is either not an acronym but is taken to be one and for which a full form is invented by back-formation, or is an acronym and for which an alternative full form is invented by back-formation. 0

See all 5 definitions of backronym

Information block about the term

Origin of backronym

First appearance:

before 1980

One of the 1% newest English words

First recorded in 1980-85; back1 + acronym

Historical Comparancy

Parts of speech for Backronym

noun

adjective

verb

adverb

pronoun

preposition

conjunction

determiner

exclamation

Full grammatical hierarchy of Backronym

backronym popularity

A common word. It’s meaning is known to most children of preschool age. About 98% of English native speakers know the meaning and use the word.

According to our data about 55% of words is more used. This is a rare but used term. It occurs in the pages of specialized literature and in the speech of educated people.

backronym usage trend in Literature

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