Acronyms

Acronyms are shortened forms of phrases or words, usually created from their initial components. Acronyms have been used frequently by governmental agencies in reference to various departments, positions, projects, supplies, and equipment. They have also been common in industry and science. Well formed acronyms are also sought after by businesses, but can be created and used by anyone. With the advent of Internet chat and cellular text messaging, the use of acronyms has mushroomed to almost epidemic proportions, causing concerns over education and traffic safety. Somewhat ironically, at the time this article was written, the most popular acronym was LOL ( laugh out loud ).

It is important to remember that proper definitions for acronyms are based on their originating context and usage, not the literal meaning of the words that make them up. For example the acronym ELINT stands for Electronic Intelligence, but the definition for ELINT has nothing to do with the intelligence of electronics. Similarly the acronym RADAR stands for radio detection and ranging, but it has nothing to do with detecting radios. Of particular relevance to ufology is that the phrase "unidentified flying object" is far too simplistic and misleaading to qualify as an accurate definition for the word UFO. Official USAF definitions clearly explain that vague lights off in the distance that could be aircraft or other mundane objects should not be reported as UFOs. There is also overwhelming historical and contemporary evidence that the primary purpose of the word UFO is to convey the idea of an alien craft.

When reading about UFOs it is common to run across a variety of acronyms, many of which are governmental or military. The table below lists most of the official and unofficial acronyms associated with ufology. For more information on how the word UFO came into being and what it means, see the complete article on the word UFO.