Are you aware of backronyms?

The first one I ever learned, although a false etymology, was Fornication Under Consent Of King.

lol..)

I find backronyms as false etymologies fascinating; people seem to desire more interesting explanations for the origins of words than the more likely explanation. “Phat” is sometimes explained as “pretty hot and tempting”, but the fact is it’s just a deliberate misspelling of “fat”, nothing too interesting about that.

But I never knew that “SOS” was not an acronym; I always thought it was. Learn something every day. :)

My favorite backronym is probably the D.E.N.N.I.S. system for seducing women and earning their “undying love”, created by Dennis Reynolds on It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. It stands for Demonstrate value, Engage physically, Nurture dependence, Neglect emotionally, Inspire hope, Separate entirely.

I like the ones that are frequently featured on various reddit forums, such as r/CrappyDesign and r/DontDeadOpenInside and others.

Here’s an illustrative example: Hallway CHAMPS

C: Silent
H: Step out of line, approach closest staff member
A: Go directly to destination
M: Walk single file, right side, no stopping (unless directed otherwise)
P: Respectful of others and their space and classrooms

It’s patently silly; it’s no kind of acronym at all – and it’s also not at all uncommon, apparently.

*IDIOTS:
I – People
D – Who
I – Do
O – Not
T – Know
S – Better

I think some people are confusing mnemonics with constructed acronyms.

Although SETI might not be a total acronym, how about Super Expensive Telescopic Irrelevance?

LOL- Laughingly Obnoxious Loser

Here’s one I heard after the Challenger exploded: NASA = Need Another Seven Astronauts.

Omnibus disclaimer: I don’t share any of the sentiments that might be perceived, in any of the above.

Gentlemen only ladies forbidden.

A backronym for golf.