I noticed that some people use abbreviations I don't undertstand. So what do they mean ? WTB, WTD. Google even doesn't want to tell.
Hi Wim, I think WTB is - Want To Buy ? and WTD should mean - WanTeD ? I think it comes from mobile phone text speak where texts originally were charged per letter ? So people came up with a kind of 'shorthand' Hope this helps, Pb
I understand the origin but english is hard enough so short cuts doesn't make it easier ;-) But wtf is the Want To Find ?
That might be me... Acronyms, the ones you mention all originate from USENET/NEWSNET, not as useful as it once was but some groups are still well used. WTD: WanTeD WTB: Want to Buy FS: For Sale FT: For Trade
pod bros has some spelling mistakes. But then the predictive algorithms will get you with that. I think you meant "ur so down with it bruv don't u fink innit" But what do I know?
Non-standard abbreviations drive me nuts especially when they're redundant - the respective sub-forums are already marked with their intended function - 'Wanted' or 'For Sale or Trade'. I think it's a special kind of arrogance (or just simply laziness) to expect someone on the other side of the world who quite possibly doesn't speak the same language to understand what's meant. It reminds me of the 'fighting without fighting' scene in Enter the Dragon, except in this case, it's 'communicating without communicating'... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_Ycw0d_Uow
As long as the arrogant & lazy can get on with the humble & active & enjoy what we have in common we'll be fine. If you (or should I say "If one..") uses abbreviations it does add a certain element of clarification to post titles that appear in the Recent Topic Box or to a lesser extent, the Recent Posts page. MVH & peace.
Yes, as long as the arrogant and/or lazy don't expect the rest of us to understand WTF they're going on about...
David, for some of us, these acronyms were the universally accepted means of defining the contents of a post, but this was on newsnet, something that existed long before Web Bulletin Boards (or the WWW) with their neatly defined categories came along. In this case it's not arrogance, just habit and it's not one I intend to change. I keep my posts free from acronyms, l33t speak and txt speak. HD
Yes, same here and that's the point, really - I can see no benefit in saving a few seconds typing if it renders the post unintelligible. It's those members whose first language isn't English I'm thinking about, mainly. Sorry, but what's "l33t speak" - you've got me there!
elite speak, something wannabe hackers used back in the day and probably still do. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leet HD
Sub languages from languages are the hallmark of niche groups or clans. The need is to create a 'brotherhood' that excludes others and defines a group member. Predictive texting is a bane in most cases, and whilst spoken two way radio speech abbreviations are made to save air space and communicate more efficiently, and while texting abbreviations can save keystrokes, the run-over into typed conversations simply aids confusion and interrupts accurate communication. It defeats itself to become just another 'clan speak'.
Yes, and clearly that's the exact opposite of what we're trying to achieve here. It must be difficult enough for many of those whose first language isn't English without having to contend with abbreviations (especially non-standard ones), jargon and suchlike. The first rule of successful communication: consider your audience. ...and I also agree entirely with your views on predictive text, particularly when used without proof-reading before hitting the 'Add Post' button.
I would like to add to this thread. I have been tying to keep my fingers off the keyboard for a couple of days but I feel I have to contribute. The thread is about abbreviations and acronyms. I detest a lot of them. CPL and CCS (acronyms) are global websites where some members do not have English as their first, second or even third languages. I do know that some members use Internet language translators to decipher what we are supposedly saying in standard English. My understanding of the English language is good, but some acronyms used by some members force me to ask the Internet what they mean. I am sure that the members that use them use them regularly with their friends in their 'neck of the woods' understand them instantly, but they make reading posts for the rest of us very difficult. For the few seconds extra, what is wrong with typing the words out fully? But my main reason for adding to this thread is to mention other things that aid the clarity of posts. Some posts are devoid of the use of upper case letters. Some posts are often also missing most forms of punctuation. The use of cased letters and punctuation were devised to make the reading of text understandable. I am never sure if those (English language their first language) who seem to type with no understanding of written English are lazy, arrogant or ignorant. I will roll up my sleeves ready for a fight!
Well, since I seem to have caused the revival of old advertising related usenet acronyms, I will say in my defence that newsgroups were very much an international forum. However times have changed, so I will refrain from using them on this forum. I hope my English is good enough that the second part of your post doesn't apply to me. HD
No, not you HD - I think most of us had worked out what WTB and WTD meant. I was referring to things like 'w/' for 'with' - and worse, 'w/out' - either of which save merely two key-presses (wow, what am I going to do with all this extra time I now have on my hands?) but must cause all sorts of head-scratching for some folk. Whilst I'm rambling on, other absurdities like 'prolly' for 'probably' (another two key-presses saved - phew!) and 'getgo' for 'start' (zero key-presses saved) just make me want to ask: Why? I thought the former had quietly died a death a couple of years ago but I saw it again the other day. Is the latter an abbreviation for 'get ready, on your marks, go'?
I've used '&' for 'and' for as long as I can remember. Even in handwriting where I actually write the symbol backwards. I always hand-write in capitals & use a large capital where required (like our site title). I can write using lower case but find it a struggle & very slow. I think a lot of this is how our brains are wired rather than how much we want to annoy other people.
The ampersand symbol (&) means 'and', so there is no real problem in using it. It came from Latin and was the joining of two letters et (and) into one. However, its normal use in written English is limited. I feel that if most people read a novel and all the 'and' words were replaced by '&' they would find it very strange. As for the things that David, myself and others have been talking about, I feel that it is mainly that a lot of people do not think it is important. For people with a good understanding of written English, abbreviations, acronyms, the case of letters, lack of punctuation, etc. pose no real problems, even if sometimes it can take a while to understand what someone is trying to say. For those with little knowledge of written English, some posts are undecipherable.
Hmmm... I see you have changed your avatar there Mr. S.. I have tried enlarging the picture and am I right in assuming you are at a wedding after taking either the high road or the low road? Regards, pb
I don't know what's going on there PB, but I think he's wearing a kilt. Thank goodness that leg is carefully placed, I bet David goes traditional when wearing one of those.
Ross explained to everyone here that during the run-up to CPLv.2, the development work last evening resulted in everyone's avatars being lost. Some he was able to restore quickly but mine he was not. It was recovered this morning but notwithstanding that, I thought I'd take the opportunity to use a new one. I notice at least one other member has taken the same opportunity. Having said that, I'm not sure how my new avatar is, in any way, germane to this thread...
