Though I consider myself educated, the lexicon in today’s newfound vocabulary often outwits me. Some time back I sheepishly learnt that ‘POTUS’ was simply Prez of the US but people smile in being ignorant enough not to know what ‘MAGA’ means till someone sniggered- it’s the Prez’s new brainchild ‘Make America Great Again’! We already have our own ‘RAGA’ (not as in Classical Music) but much to do with the Grand Old Party !
It’s not that when we were in school ( in the 1960-70s) abbreviations were not in vogue. Much of General Studies (or GK) meant learning hundreds of them by heart, but at that time they were mostly related to countries (e,g USSR, GBR), American Presidents (e,g. FDR, JFK), International Organisations (e.g.IBRD,UNESCO,UNICEF), Agreements & Acts (e.g.WTO, GATT). There was also the ominous one with a long name ‘COFEPOSA’ ! However, English teachers loathed it if we used short forms in essays and answers. No way one could start an English composition with IMO (In My Opinion) and humbly end with my POV (Point of View). Time was not of that much essence in our good old days.
If we think the modern day linguists invented the shorter format then that’s pure fallacy. Research reveals that abbreviations have been used for centuries, but they became more common in the 20th century, especially with the rise of new technologies and the need for faster communication. The so-called “information explosion” of the 20th century, along with increased literacy rates, fueled the widespread adoption of abbreviations in various forms, including initialisms and acronyms.
For the sake of ‘FOMO’ (Fear of Missing Out), seniors should know that the way to the younger generation’s heart & mind today is by confidently throwing at them the lingo that consists not only popular ‘OMG’, ‘BTW’, ‘BFF’ & ‘ASAP’ but iffy ones like TTYL, FWIW, IYKYK, ICYMI or GRWM – it could give an erudite ‘Tharoor’ aura to any of us. Bankers, Analysts & Insurance Advisors now talk in a language only they understand ! With all this, could Hindi films be far behind. SRK’s ‘DDLJ” is the cult film of all times.
TBH (To be honest), advent & extensive use of mobile phones by all classes of society means simple terms are needed to exchange information. SMS and WhatsApp texting has further fueled the use of abbreviations and shortened forms of words, reflecting the need for a concise mode & style. Today, abbreviations are ubiquitous in both formal and informal communication, reflecting the ongoing need for efficient & smart language in a fast-paced world. Join the party, ‘ICYMI’ (In Case You Missed It) so far !
Working on Living 