backronym

:backronym: n. [portmanteau of back + acronym] A word interpreted as an acronym that was not originally so intended. This is a special case of what linguists call `back formation'. Examples are given under BASIC recursive acronym (Cygnus), Acme , and mung Discovering backronyms is a common form of wordplay among hackers. Compare retcon

Jargon File Version 4.3.1, 29 JUN 2001 =

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