Definition of backronym

backronym

noun

a word that has come to be an acronym (or is viewed by some as an acronym) when it was not originally an acronym.

Slang examples include "SHIT" meaning "ship high in transit", "PHAT" meaning "pretty hot and tempting", etc.

"Backronym" is itself an acronym, being "back" + "acronym".
- See more words with the same meaning: acronyms (list of).
- See more words with the same meaning: computer slang.
Last edited on Feb 11 2013. Submitted by WalterGR (via TheJargonFile) on Aug 14 2009.

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Related words

Slang terms with the same meaning

Other terms relating to 'acronyms (list of)':
plz	Definitions include: "please".
NFI	Definitions include: acronym for "no fucking idea".
FLS	Definitions include: acronym for "feel like shit".
MIL	Definitions include: acronym for "mother-in-law".
IDGAF	Definitions include: acronym for "I don't give a fuck."
FILF	Definitions include: acronym for "father I'd like to fuck", i.e. an attractive older man.
DYK	Definitions include: acronym for "do you know" or "did you know".
OMFG	Definitions include: acronym for "oh my fucking god."
BJ	Definitions include: acronym for "blowjob", i.e. fellatio.
BOHICA	Definitions include: acronym of "bend over here it comes again."
FOMO	Definitions include: acronym for "fear of missing out".
BBE	Definitions include: acronym of "Biggest Beating Ever," which can refer to "beating" as in a severe physical attack, or a severe defeat e.g. in a competitive sport.
NRN	Definitions include: acronym for "no response necessary" or "no response needed".
HAGS	Definitions include: acronym for "have a great summer".
DTRT	Definitions include: acronym for "do the right thing".
(show 658 more)
Other terms relating to 'computer slang':
TY	Definitions include: acronym for "thank you".
ID-10-T	Definitions include: an error code used to refer to user error.
DAE	Definitions include: "does anyone else..." or "does anybody else..."
whiz-bang	Definitions include: impressive or flashy.
compy	Definitions include: "computer".
spec out	Definitions include: to write a spec (specification.)
ha ha only serious	Definitions include: a joke or "joke" that contains a core of truth.
BFFL	Definitions include: acronym for "best friend(s) for life".
ping	Definitions include: to send a short message to someone or call them briefly, often to enquire about their availability.
GTS	Definitions include: acronym for "Google that shit".
benchy	Definitions include: "benchmark".
bbygrl	Definitions include: "babygirl", i.e. girlfriend.
signal-to-noise ratio	Definitions include: By analogy from the same-named measurement in analog electronics.
meme	Definitions include: something that spreads through the internet in the same way that a virus spreads between organisms.
shovelware	Definitions include: low-quality software.
(show 552 more)

Slang terms with the same root words

Other terms relating to 'acronym':
TLA	Definitions include: acronym for "three-letter acronym".
Other terms relating to 'back':
back	Definitions include: large buttocks.
back 40	Definitions include: wild or rough terrain adjacent to a developed area.
*back sswards**	Definitions include: done or performed incorrectly, strangely, opposite from the correct way, or clumsily; "backwards".
back at the ranch	Definitions include: exclamation useful when the conversation is going off tangent.
back at you	Definitions include: and the same to you.
back door	Definitions include: the anus.
back door man	Definitions include: the man who a cheating spouse sees on the side.
back-door trots, the	Definitions include: horrendous diarrhea.
back end	Definitions include: the anus.
back forty	Definitions include: a place that is far away.
back in the day	Definitions include: at some time before the present.
back in the saddle	Definitions include: having resumed an activity that one had previously stopped performing.
back off	Definitions include: large buttocks.
back one out	Definitions include: to defecate; "poop".
back on (one's) feet	Definitions include: doing better after an unfavorable event.
(show 66 more hide.)