longest acronyms

But isn't RSPCA an acronym?

Originally posted by doodinthemood
No it isn't.
Acronyms are things that make a new word:
SCUBA, FIFA, RADAR, PETA

What was suggested was an initialism, this is just a jumble of letters:
CIA, WWF, CNN, FA

Acronyms must be pronouncable.

ROYGBIV is pronounceable. And an acronym does not need to bee so easily pronounced. CNN is an acronym as are EPL, CSA, UL, and NAMbLA.

incorrect, RSPCA and CNN are not acronyms (if you're going to say that you say those things 'ruspucka' and 'cunun' then I think that's rather silly).

RSPCA and CNN are initialisms and nothing more. Acronyms make up a new word that is pronouncable.

Originally posted by doodinthemood
No it isn't.
Acronyms are things that make a new word:
SCUBA, FIFA, RADAR, PETA

What was suggested was an initialism, this is just a jumble of letters:
CIA, WWF, CNN, FA

Acronyms must be pronouncable.

R.O.Y.G.V.I.B might not be pronouncable. But its reverse is. Thats the way we learnt it in school - VIBGYOR!!

I do think it's picking hairs, but apparently it holds up...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acronym#Nomenclature

WYSIWYG - computing acronym

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