# Why the shorthand?

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-the-shorthand/57947>\
**Category:** In My Humble Opinion\
**Created:** [March 14, 2001, 2:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-the-shorthand/57947 "2001-03-14T14:36:37Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Page:** 2

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**Author:** ![Kakkerlak](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/bb73d2/32.png) [@Kakkerlak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kakkerlak)\
**Post date:** [March 16, 2001, 2:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-the-shorthand/57947/21 "2001-03-16T02:00:39Z")

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I have a specific problem with one abbreviation, which is that “BTW” is a mnemonic code for a Block Transfer Write instuction in the programmable industrial controllers for which I do technical support.

It always throws me to see it in a nontechnical instance, especially when my book-editor girlfriend uses it.

And now I know what IIRC means ! Huzzah !

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