ABSTRACT

Shorthand was a method devised centuries ago to transcribe material in a speedier manner. This idea has been carried forward today in the abbreviations we use for e-mail, Internet chat, and instant messaging. Most people are familiar with such expressions as TGIF (thank God it’s Friday) or FYI (for your information). In order to save time and for speed, communications via the Internet have adopted some of these same abbreviations. Others have been added, and the list today is quite lengthy. They range from businesslike to playful, and are sometimes a bit naughty. With the use of pagers and cellular telephones, abbreviations have become more commonplace and useful. As a result, users employ an ever-growing list of expressions. Common examples include:

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