Use Of Text Speak And Abbreviations When Posting

[Nicolette]

As all members would be aware that due to mobile phones, technology etc more and more of us are accustomed to 'text' speaks (sms talk) and the abbreviations of words due to the limitation of characters in such communications.

While times are changing this is still a written English forum with posts - not messages or texts etc. On this basis text talk and abbreviations are discouraged as not everyone knows what they mean.

Acceptable abbreviations are LOL, IMHO, MHO etc. Other such abbreviations are not to be used on the forum as they are not necessary as there are no character limitations which would call for cutting down written text. Also, as we have a wide, cross section of members what will be common to one may not be to others.

A number of members have recently taken to using 'OP' to refer to the person who created the thread - this is to cease immediately thank you. SIL, BF, etc are not necessary abbreviations and are also confusing as SIL could be son-in-law or sister-in-law, BF could be best friend or boyfriend. You get the picture.... there is no need to write short hand.

Staff will be editing abbreviations and continual use from this point forward could result in a grammar warning. You may think you only use one abbreviation but if you use it consistently in a lot of posts it will incur a warning on one of the posts containing such abbreviation as it encourages other to become lazy with their posting and follow suit. An example is I recently had to edit a number of posts with 'cos' in them - the word is 'because' so please use the full correct English word when posting.

Thank you.

Posting Abbreviations Guideline -

you do as in what was taught in writing a letter - you write it out in full and the abbreviation is brackets. Then you use the abbreviation for the rest of the POST. Eg if I wanted to use T - I would write Therapist (T) and then use 'T' in that post as I continued.

when abbreviating anything you should always write it the first time, with the abbreviation, then use the abbreviation in the remainder of the post. That is how you would read it in any book, article, journal, etc.

Edited - Added to post for clarification 23/12/12

 

[Abstract]

Hi Nicolette,

May I ask if "T" is acceptable? I am assuming that PTSD, PTS, and the other medical abbreviations are acceptable. Also SA, PA, VA. Is that correct? I am assuming that self injury and suicide need to be written out. I know these are often abbreviated as both words can be triggering for many but guess we are working on exposures!:rolleyes: I am assuming H has to be written out as "husband". Hmmm... thinking of what else. Thanks.

 

[Nicolette]

PTSD, PTS, and the other medical abbreviations are acceptable

Yes

"T"

I know it is used but then you get PDoc and I don't know if they mean psychiatrist and psychologist and I see members asking. I mean is it really that hard to type it? I would suggest that if you want to use these particular 'illness' related abbreviations you do as in what was taught in writing a letter - you write it out in full and the abbreviation is brackets. Then you use the abbreviation for the rest of the POST. Eg if I wanted to use T - I would write Therapist (T) and then use 'T' in that post as I continued.

Also SA, PA, VA. Is that correct?

Well here you go as I don't know what the first two are and presume VA is Veteran's Affairs? I thought the abbreviation for Veteran's affairs was DVA? See the problem.........???

 

[Deleted member 12723]

Thanks Nicolette. I have a hard time understanding abbreviations. I am guilty of using them too. So I appreciate the warning. I will write it out from now on. Thanks again.

 

[Abstract]

Thanks Nicolette! I get your point and have seen confusion at times.

you write it out in full and the abbreviation is brackets.

That is a useful suggestion.

SA is sexual abuse, VA verbal abuse, PA physical abuse and EA emotional abuse. I thought I would see if you realised. Sometimes we think things are more widely used or understood than they are. Pdoc is a common one that confuses people I think.

 

[Nicolette]

I think we should stick with typing out the full words as much as possible (except PTS and PTSD) and when using a long word often in a post (like psychiatrist) do as I suggested below so it is clear to all.

you write it out in full and the abbreviation is brackets. Then you use the abbreviation for the rest of the POST. Eg if I wanted to use T - I would write Therapist (T) and then use 'T' in that post as I continued.

 

[Tanishq]

Nicolette this is great. :tup:

Acceptable abbreviations are LOL

I don't know why? but I LOLed, when I read LOL. :P :D

SIL could be son-in-law or sister-in-law, BF could be best friend or boyfriend.

I failed to understand what SIL or BF meant. I would like to thank you for explaining them.

I am not fan of sms talk, Too short words or too many abbreviations kills the joy of conversation.

 

[Tanishq]

Veteran's affairs was DVA?

:O_o: I couldn't understand anything in that post.

T for therapist is fine.

 

[Tanishq]

I think keeping abbreviation list would work on this forum. Would it?

 

[Nicolette]

I have updated the first post to contain acceptable abbreviations and there meanings. Please let me know if you have one which you think should be included which I have missed.

 

[Abstract]

SSRI's (serotonin reuptake inhibitors)
OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder)
ED (eating disorder)
GAD (general anxiety disorder)
BPD (borderline personality disorder)
CBT (cognitive behaviour therapy)
DBT (dialectical behaviour therapy)
IBS (irritable bowel syndrome)
BP (bipolar)
MDD (major depressive disorder)
DID ( dissociative identity disorder)
DDNOS (dissociative disorder not otherwise specified)
DPD (depersonalisation disorder)
AN (anorexia nervosa)
BN (bulimia nervosa)
BED (binge eating disorder)

Shall post if I think of any more Nicolette.

Edited by Nicolette: Helpful list but not encouraged abbreviations

 

[Tanishq]

Abstract that is helpful. :)