So many acronyms so little time

Acronyms and initialisms are abbreviations that are formed using the initial components in a phrase or name. These components may be individual letters (as in CEO) or parts of words (as in Benelux). There is no universal agreement on the precise definition of the various terms (see nomenclature), nor on written usage (see orthographic styling). -Other than to confound and befuddle!

HR= Human Resources=Personnel


BSU= Business Support Unit= Admin

MIP=Managing Individual performance=Appraisal

So many acronyms so little time. They are used to bamboozle and confuse, to make one feel that they are the one in the room who doesn’t get it. When used at presentations, conferences and seminars these acronyms project an air of knowledge and superiority. It’s not political correctness or any other trend, it’s completely devised to confuse the underlings and flummox the people on the ground floor.

The Corporate world has rubbed off on the world of local government, with such unimaginatively altered names as Intranet, Cindex and E-Buy. Talking the same language is a minimum requirement and when confronted by USPs and CAZs no one wants to pipe up and say; “what does that mean?”

Further more the vocabulary of many a youngster is full of 'em! Primarily through the use of texts. I suppose it may very well help them in the future employment world.

We use language in a multitude of ways but at work let’s not complicate matters.