What do those initials mean?

[Father Bill]

A request to the Great Rabble:

Half the time that there are initials used, I have no idea what they mean and it consumes several minutes to figure it out... or not.

For the few moments that it takes to type out the whole set of words, might I respectfully point out that it would save the rest of us each a lot more time in wondering, researching, and often just giving up? It slows down the conversation and in fact may exclude some members from some threads if they are uncomfortable or embarassed to ask.

Thanks so very much for your consideration!

[Steve Ashton]

What initials are you confused about Father?
Some of the most common acronyms are listed in our FAQ's but not all that are in use on the forum. If you would post the ones you want meanings for I'll get them included.

[Nick the DSM]

Just in general or particular?

Examples?

[CMcG]

Acronyms are a common and acceptable method of communication, though I respect that the esoterica of Highland attire has generated some less common ones than, say, USA. They are quite useful, especially for oft used combinations of words. When I find one I don't know a Google search usually provides the answer quite quickly.

I doubt anyone is using them as a way of excluding people from the discussion. On the contrary some of the Xmarks specific ones create an ingroup marker in typed text that identifies those in the know. And those who don't know need not feel shy to ask!

That being said, I'm certainly don't encourage a degeneration of good English into Lolspeak and unintelligible abbreviations...

Were there some in particular that have caused trouble for you Father Bill?

Here are couple Xmarks ones for future reference:

THCD: Traditional Highland Civilian Dress
ACBW: Any Colour But White (usually in reference to hose)

Other common ones that I see on the forum:

IMHO: In My Humble Opinion
FWIW: For What Its Worth
YMMV: Your Mileage May Vary
FTW: For The Win

There are also long lists of text/chat acronyms available:
http://www.netlingo.com/acronyms.php

[madmacs]

IIRC If i recall correctly

[robthehiker]

our FAQ's

I see what you did there.

[azwildcat96]

I see what you did there.

I saw that too...you beat me to it.

[CMcG]

I forgot to mention PC - Prince Charlie (jacket)

And here is the link to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...q#faq_faq_abbr

I'll re-post the abbreviations from the FAQ here for good measure:

AK - Amerikilt
FK - Freedom Kilt
BK - Bear Kilt
FLS - Freelander Sporran
PK - Pittsburgh Kilt
SWK - Stillwater Kilts
TFCK - 21st Century Kilts
UK- Utilikilt
USAK - USA Kilts

MUG - Male Unbifurcated Garment.

[kc8ufv]

I forgot to mention PC - Prince Charlie (jacket)

Ah, that one could get confusing, because PC could also be Practice Chanter, especially if you are in the music section. Must remember acronyms and initialisms are context sensitive.

[Aspiringloser]

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...80/index2.html
In post #13 NB is used - "(NB the visible edge of the deep pleat at the right of the apron is NOT folded over. [Must be a part of that elusive Specification!])"
What does NB mean?