Topic Focus: The Power of Letters
Much English communication doesn't come from words but from simple letters — sometimes alone, sometimes in small combinations.
Here on the Engoo blog, we've written about special uses of letters many times; for example, we've explained acronyms and slang as well as the different uses of a single letter in a wide variety of situations.
This post collects these articles in one convenient place. Read each one to learn how letters don't need to form full words to express ideas!
Old English Acronyms That Are Still Popular Today
Many of today's common acronyms became popular through social media. But others are much older and have been around for many, many years.
This article introduces the history of these acronyms and gives examples of how to use them in everyday communication.
From HTTP to SEO: What Do Computer Abbreviations Mean?
There's an entire set of abbreviations used specifically for talking about technology. But you don't need to be a computer expert to use them. In fact, some of them you probably already know.
"All Correct"? - The History and Uses of "OK"
"OK" is easy to use, even if your English skills aren't perfect. But have you ever wondered why it's used the way it is? This article takes a look at the interesting history of this common expression.
From GPS to SCUBA: Abbreviations in Everyday English
Codes and shortened words are very common in the military, where it's especially important to communicate quickly and clearly.
However, even if you aren't in the military, many of these abbreviations are useful to know since they appear often in everyday English conversations.
Everyday Latin Abbreviations Used in English
A lot of modern English has roots in Latin — and you don't need to look very far to find examples.
This article is all about the common abbreviations English speakers use when talking about things like résumés, degrees and even the times of day.
What 'K' and 'M' Mean on Social Media
Social media can be a powerful tool to help English learners improve their skills. One thing that many popular apps share is the use of the letters K and M to indicate important information about posts. Do you know what they mean?
The Many Meanings and Uses of X
Have you ever noticed how often you see the letter X?
Each time it appears, X may have a completely different meaning than the last time you saw it. It's quite an incredible letter, and this article explains the many ways it can be used, together with helpful example sentences.
English Slang on Social Media
While this article isn't only about abbreviations, it does include some popular slang expressions based on letters whose meanings would be difficult to guess, such as "ofc" and "ngl." Read to learn all about them!
Wrap-up
To be a fluent English speaker, you need to be familiar with all of the ways letters are used, including in abbreviations, acronyms and slang.
Focus on each of the themes presented in these articles one by one, practice using them in your conversations, and eventually you'll learn to use them like a pro!
