# Acronyms you misunderstood and gave a false meaning/etymology to **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [July 25, 2022, 8:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/acronyms-you-misunderstood-and-gave-a-false-meaning-etymology-to/968551 "2022-07-25T20:10:30Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![JKellyMap](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jkellymap/32/15880_2.png) [@JKellyMap](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JKellyMap)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2022, 1:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/acronyms-you-misunderstood-and-gave-a-false-meaning-etymology-to/968551/21 "2022-07-26T13:36:51Z")
> [@solost](#): > > Way back in the day when I first heard about RPG gaming, I thought it referred to shoot-em-up games using Rocket Propelled Grenades Same here. ---
**Author:** ![What\_Exit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/what_exit/32/10652_2.png) [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2022, 1:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/acronyms-you-misunderstood-and-gave-a-false-meaning-etymology-to/968551/22 "2022-07-26T13:40:06Z")
Whereas I’m one of the early Paper and Dice RPG’ers from the days of [original D&D](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dungeons_%26_Dragons_(1974)) and [Traveller](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Traveller_(role-playing_game)) so I knew what RPG meant in context. [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/8/8e/D%26d_Box1st.jpg/175px-D%26d_Box1st.jpg) ](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/8/8e/D%26d_Box1st.jpg/175px-D%26d_Box1st.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![Maserschmidt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/maserschmidt/32/18829_2.png) [@Maserschmidt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maserschmidt)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2022, 1:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/acronyms-you-misunderstood-and-gave-a-false-meaning-etymology-to/968551/23 "2022-07-26T13:54:01Z")
It’s funny, I still have two of the three books from that original set, plus Greyhawk, and I think that one you posted is the one I’m missing. ---
**Author:** ![Riemann](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/riemann/32/3133_2.png) [@Riemann](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Riemann)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2022, 2:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/acronyms-you-misunderstood-and-gave-a-false-meaning-etymology-to/968551/24 "2022-07-26T14:22:14Z")
> [@MrAtoz](#): > > I always thought OPEC meant Oil Producing and Exporting Countries. Yours is better. It’s an underhanded trick that the O doesn’t stand for oil. ---
**Author:** ![ftg](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ftg/32/2801_2.png) [@ftg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ftg)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2022, 2:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/acronyms-you-misunderstood-and-gave-a-false-meaning-etymology-to/968551/25 "2022-07-26T14:42:00Z")
> [@SuntanLotion](#): > > I still dont know what NTF is Newts, toads and frogs. Personally, I’m amphibious about them. ---
**Author:** ![SpoilerVirgin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/4491bb/32.png) [@SpoilerVirgin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SpoilerVirgin)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2022, 3:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/acronyms-you-misunderstood-and-gave-a-false-meaning-etymology-to/968551/26 "2022-07-26T15:18:49Z")
Another one that switched on me, although it wasn’t originally an acronym: GOAT. I use it all the time to mean someone who is being blamed (from scapegoat). Now it’s used to mean “Greatest of All Time,” which is the complete opposite of being the goat. ---
**Author:** ![John\_DiFool](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_difool/32/19543_2.png) [@John\_DiFool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_DiFool)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2022, 3:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/acronyms-you-misunderstood-and-gave-a-false-meaning-etymology-to/968551/27 "2022-07-26T15:45:09Z")
Likewise **SpoilerVirgin** , GOTV has nothing to do with going and watching your TV (or buying one). [GetOutTheVote] ---
**Author:** ![beowulff](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beowulff/32/542_2.png) [@beowulff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beowulff)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2022, 3:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/acronyms-you-misunderstood-and-gave-a-false-meaning-etymology-to/968551/28 "2022-07-26T15:52:27Z")
The new Bronco has GOAT modes… [![](https://cdn.jdpower.com/JDPA_2021%20Ford%20Bronco%20Wildtrak%202-Door%20GOAT%20Mode%20Controller.jpg) ](https://cdn.jdpower.com/JDPA_2021%20Ford%20Bronco%20Wildtrak%202-Door%20GOAT%20Mode%20Controller.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![whitetho](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/whitetho/32/1059_2.png) [@whitetho](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/whitetho)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2022, 4:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/acronyms-you-misunderstood-and-gave-a-false-meaning-etymology-to/968551/29 "2022-07-26T16:02:26Z")
I had to correct about 50 Wikipedia pages that thought that the third letter in the 1941 North American Regional Broadcasting Agreement (NARBA) stood for “radio”. ---
**Author:** ![Bumbazine](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bumbazine/32/362_2.png) [@Bumbazine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bumbazine)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2022, 7:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/acronyms-you-misunderstood-and-gave-a-false-meaning-etymology-to/968551/30 "2022-07-26T19:15:04Z")
In my world RPG means/meant Report Program Generator (a programming language) I see now that I’ve been ninja’d Also, for many years, around here anyway, BLM meant Bureau of Land Management. ---
**Author:** ![JKellyMap](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jkellymap/32/15880_2.png) [@JKellyMap](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JKellyMap)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2022, 7:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/acronyms-you-misunderstood-and-gave-a-false-meaning-etymology-to/968551/31 "2022-07-26T19:56:36Z")
> [@Bumbazine](#): > > Also, for many years, around here anyway, BLM meant Bureau of Land Management I embarrassed myself terribly when I asked a (college) student of mine if her BLM t-shirt stood for this. (Hey, I’m a human geographer). ---
**Author:** ![Riemann](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/riemann/32/3133_2.png) [@Riemann](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Riemann)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2022, 8:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/acronyms-you-misunderstood-and-gave-a-false-meaning-etymology-to/968551/32 "2022-07-26T20:00:37Z")
I use it to express solidarity with the rangers who stand up to the likes of the Bundys. > BLM Lives Matter. ---
**Author:** ![JKellyMap](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jkellymap/32/15880_2.png) [@JKellyMap](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JKellyMap)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2022, 8:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/acronyms-you-misunderstood-and-gave-a-false-meaning-etymology-to/968551/33 "2022-07-26T20:01:37Z")
> [@Riemann](#): > > I use it to express solidarity with the rangers who stand up to the likes of the Bundys. Nice! ---
**Author:** ![Miller](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/miller/32/481_2.png) [@Miller](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Miller)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2022, 8:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/acronyms-you-misunderstood-and-gave-a-false-meaning-etymology-to/968551/34 "2022-07-26T20:09:05Z")
> [@GuanoLad](#): > > FTW used to mean Fuck The World! A term of frustration and anger. Then it changed to mean For The Win, the complete opposite, a term of joy and anticipation. It confused me for a very long time. First time I encountered it meaning “For the Win,” was playing World of Warcraft, where people would get a good loot drop, and post it in chat. “[Super Bad Ass Sword] FTW!” My best guess was, “Free to whoever.” Thankfully, I never embarrassed myself by trying to claim one of those “free” items. ---
**Author:** ![ftg](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ftg/32/2801_2.png) [@ftg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ftg)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2022, 10:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/acronyms-you-misunderstood-and-gave-a-false-meaning-etymology-to/968551/35 "2022-07-26T22:15:23Z")
> [@SpoilerVirgin](#): > > Another one that switched on me, although it wasn’t originally an acronym: GOAT. I use it all the time to mean someone who is being blamed (from scapegoat). Now it’s used to mean “Greatest of All Time,” which is the complete opposite of being the goat. Ooooh, that explains the blurb for a recent Rick Beato video: Why Frampton Comes Alive Is The GOAT. Didn’t see how being a “goat” is a good thing. ---
**Author:** ![Sunspace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sunspace/32/1250_2.png) [@Sunspace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sunspace)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2022, 6:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/acronyms-you-misunderstood-and-gave-a-false-meaning-etymology-to/968551/36 "2022-07-27T06:14:15Z")
Years ago at my old job, a project was launched with the informal internal code name “BOHICA”. I thought this was some exotic Spanish plant, like mesquite. Turns out it was an acronym meaning “ bend over, here it comes again”… ---
**Author:** ![Spoons](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spoons/32/3141_2.png) [@Spoons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spoons)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2022, 7:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/acronyms-you-misunderstood-and-gave-a-false-meaning-etymology-to/968551/37 "2022-07-27T07:08:02Z")
Not exactly on point as per the OP, but I got a chuckle out a New Yorker cartoon years ago. It simply showed an office door, on which was painted: > [@](#): > > A.C.R.O.N.Y.M. > > Aroused Citizens Representing Oppressed New York Minorities ---
**Author:** ![What\_Exit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/what_exit/32/10652_2.png) [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2022, 9:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/acronyms-you-misunderstood-and-gave-a-false-meaning-etymology-to/968551/38 "2022-07-27T09:30:03Z")
BOHICA is an old military acronym. I wonder how old? I think it might be Vietnam era. ---
**Author:** ![CalMeacham](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/calmeacham/32/35_2.png) [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2022, 12:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/acronyms-you-misunderstood-and-gave-a-false-meaning-etymology-to/968551/39 "2022-07-27T12:17:34Z")
> [@GuanoLad](#): > > FTW used to mean Fuck The World! It used to mean Fuck The War, which is why somebody spray-painted it across the base of a statue in my home tiown in the Vietnam era. ---
**Author:** ![Moonrise](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/moonrise/32/14764_2.png) [@Moonrise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moonrise)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2022, 1:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/acronyms-you-misunderstood-and-gave-a-false-meaning-etymology-to/968551/40 "2022-07-27T13:12:43Z")
> [@solost](#): > > And then there’s the old joke about the person who thought it meant ‘lots of love’ and texted to a friend whose spouse died “so sorry for your loss-- LOL”. That’s what I first thought it meant. Dodged a bullet there. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/acronyms-you-misunderstood-and-gave-a-false-meaning-etymology-to/968551.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/acronyms-you-misunderstood-and-gave-a-false-meaning-etymology-to/968551.md?page=3)