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15 acronyms and acronyms in English that you should know

Everyone loves codes, and acronyms and acronyms are perfect little tools to make conversation quicker and more fun, especially when trying to type on a slippery smartphone. And in English, you can't get rid of them.

Here are 15 that you will come across often and that every English speaker should know.

But first, a brief reminder.

Abbreviations are shortened versions of words and, in English, may or may not have a period at the end (for example, accomm., from accommodation, or adj. from adjective).

Acronyms are pronounceable acronyms, they are formed from the first letter of each word and can be read as if they were a normal word (such as NASA, National Aeronautics and Space Administration).

With acronyms that are not acronyms, you have to pronounce letter by letter, such as: UN, the United Nations (in Spanish, it would also be an acronym: UN). (A curious fact: “the” is usually placed before initials, but not before acronyms. For example: “I'm an interpreter at the UN” or “I have an interview at NASA”).

1. RSVP: Please reply (confirma tu asistencia)

As so often with English, this comes from French. RSVP stands for “Répondez s'il vous plait”. You'll see it written on wedding invitations and other parties. And yes, answer, please, so that the bride and groom know exactly how many salmon fillets to order.

2. ASAP: As soon as possible

"Can you get this in ASAP?" says the email from your boss. Depending on the project, this may or may not be a cause for panic, but in any case, you don't have much time to think about it!

3. AM/PM: Before midday (mañana) y after midday (tarde)

There is a big difference between 5 in the morning and 5 in the afternoon; and these little terms deal with it. Remember, don't use them if you're telling the time in 24-hour format (6 am is the same as 6: 00 pm), and keep that in mind when setting your alarm clock. A morning alarm that goes off at 7pm isn't much help!

4. LMK: Let me know

Casual, friendly; perfect to end a text. LMK indicates that you are waiting for confirmation or more information.

5. BRB: Be right back

Sometimes when we are chatting, there is something that demands our attention; be it the doorbell ringing, a cat wanting to be let out, or an irresistible urge for caffeine. Don't worry, you just have to tell your friend: BRB.

6. DOB: Date of birth

"What is my DOB?" You may have wondered that the first time you read this expression. After all, it sounds like a poor choice of clothing or nauseating medicine. Well, you do have a DOB, we all do. You probably celebrate yours every year with an inordinate amount of cake, ice cream, and ridiculous hats.

7. CC/BCC: Carbon copy/blind carbon copy

Although referring to the age of email, these terms take their name from the analog years, when copies were made with carbon paper. A quick etiquette tip: when adding people to the CC field of the email, remember that they can "clearly" see who else has received the email. (And don't hit Reply All unless you REALLY want to!)

8. TBA/TBC: To be announced/To be confirmed (se anunciará/a confirmar)

Remember your friend's wedding invitation that said RSVP ASAP? Be careful if it says venue TBA or groom TBC, it means she doesn't have anything organized yet!

9. ETA: Estimated time of arrival

"See you on Tuesday, ETA 9 PM" You can see this when someone is going to travel and they don't know for sure what time their flight will arrive.

10. TGIF: Thank God it's Friday

Sung by all the workers of the world on Friday afternoons; the weekend has arrived!

11. FOMO: Fear of missing out

And with the weekend, can come some pretty big FOMO too. Imagine: you've been asked out, but you don't feel like it. Although, at the same time, you know that you could have a good time and that you might regret not going. So, you get desperate deciding what to do.

12. IMO: In my opinion (or IMHO: In my humble opinion)

We all have our opinions. This is how you can express them.

13. N/A: Not available/Not applicable (no disponible/no aplicable)

Use it when you are filling out a questionnaire if you want to indicate that a particular section is not relevant to you.

14. AKA: Also known as

This little beauty is used to refer to someone or something by another name, usually a nickname; like the one your brother might use to refer to his newborn, "This is Eddie, aka 'The Pooping Machine,'" or as Chile calls its beloved soccer player, Alexis Sanchez, aka "The Wonder Boy."

15. DIY: Do it yourself

In all walks of life, there are people who like to do things themselves (aka DIY-ers) instead of hiring professionals. From electrical repairs and furniture upholstery to totally renovating their homes; As you can imagine, DIY projects can end very well, or as real disasters!