The Rise of Acronyms

Back in 1947, Dr. T.M. Pearce, a professor of English at the University of New Mexico, noted that World War II had speeded up the use of acronyms in English. He predicted, "tomorrow's English may contain more and more of acronym and abbreviation."

He sure was right about that.

Muskogee Daily Phoenix and Times-Democrat - Aug 19, 1947

Some info about Pearce (via New Mexico Archives Online):

Thomas Matthews Pearce was a Professor of English at the University of New Mexico for over 35 years and the author of numerous books and articles on the English language and folklore. He was born in Covington, Kentucky, 1902, died Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1986.

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Posted By: Alex - Wed Feb 05, 2025
Category: Languages | Predictions | 1940s

Comments

To be pedantic about it, "snafu" (pronounced as a word) is an acronym and "DDT" (pronounced as letters) is an initialism.

Posted by Dr. Fian on 02/06/25 at 09:40 AM

Dr. Fian -- I noticed the same thing and almost commented on it. But then noticed that Pearce said more acronyms AND abbreviations. I wasn't sure if there was any difference between an abbreviation and an initialism.

Posted by Alex on 02/06/25 at 10:02 AM

I think, generally, an abbreviation retains the periods. E.M.T. is an abbreviation of Electrical Metallic Tubing (electrical conduit). EMT is an initialism of Emergency Medical Technician.

Posted by Phideaux on 02/06/25 at 12:31 PM