Acronyms, Abbreviations, Initialisms & Mnemonics

These are four terms that get confused or incorrectly swapped but have very different meanings and usages.

Acronym

An acronym is a set of letters that represent a larger term, but when put together may be pronounced a word.

Good examples of acronyms include:

• RADAR (Radio Detection and Ranging)
• BREAD (Browse, Read, Edit, Add, Delete)
• ANZAC (Australia, New Zealand Army Corps) 

Abbreviation

Is where a word is shortened, for example:

• etc. (et cetera, for example)
• i.e. (id est, that is)
• bit (binary digit)

Initialism

An initialism is like an acronym, except the letters are pronounced individually when put together.

For example:

• CPU (Central Processing Unit)
• TL;DR (Too Long; Didn't Read), and
• ABC (Australian Broadcasting Company)
• PC (Personal Computer)

Mnemonic

The mnemonic is a memory aid that aims to help you remember an order of items.

Good examples of these include:

• Richard Of York Gave Battle In Vain - Colours of the rainbow
• Please Do Not Touch Steves Pet Alligator - ISO Network Layers
• Big Elephants Can Always Understand Small Elephants - Spelling of Because