MY Articles

Backronym (bak-ruh-nim) Noun an existing word turned into an acronym by creating an apt phrase whose initial letters match the word, to help remember it or offer a theory of its origin. More about Backronym First recorded in 1980–85. Formed from the word back “toward the rear” and (ac)ronym, “a word formed from the initial letters or groups of letters of words in a set phrase and pronounced as a separate word.” Examples of Backronym Some people believe the word newsstands for “notable events, weather, and sports,” but that’s not accurate; it’s a backronym. My neighbour insists that SOS means “Save Our Ship” and wouldn’t believe that people made up that backronym years after SOS was first used. Ennoble (en-noh-buhl) Verb to elevate in degree, excellence, or respect; dignify. More about Ennoble First recorded around 1425–75. Comes from the late Middle English word ennobelen from the Old French ennoblir. The related word noble, “distinguished,” comes from the Latin adjective (g)nōbilis “n