The Wannabe

Acronyms can make you sound like an idiot if you don’t pay attention.  Sadly, most people don’t pay attention…  So for future reference, here is a short list of things people should never say:

• PIN number (personal identification number number)
• VIN number (vehicle identification number number)
• ATM machine (automated teller machine machine)
• UPC code (universal product code code)
• PC computer (personal computer computer)
• NIC card (network interface card card)
• LCD display (liquid crystal display display)

Then there’s my pet peeve: Please RSVP.  This one can be tricky, but again, only if you don’t pay attention!  I imagine many people just add it to their invitations with the general understanding that it’s somehow asking the recipients to respond if they plan to attend.  But why would you EVER say something to someone else if you didn’t know exactly what it meant?!  And clearly there are many people who don’t know what it means because they always add the word, “please” in front of it!

RSVP is a French acronym for, “Répondez s’il-vous-plaît” which translates to, “Respond please” or “Please respond.”  So by saying, “Please RSVP” you’re also saying, “Please please respond.”  Now if a desperate plea for a response is your intention, then simply include a comma and you’re set (i.e. “Please, RSVP”).  But if you’re just trying to be polite, RSVP is all you need.  It has politeness built in!