I know there is a word for acronyms that had been retroactively fitted to something, but I'm not quite recalling it at this time. While certainly "spam" as an descriptor of internet advertising really began with the Monty Python, the retroactive fit I wish to mention here is to make it into the acronym "Stupid Person's Advertising Message".
xheralt said:
I know there is a word for acronyms that had been retroactively fitted to something, but I'm not quite recalling it at this time. While certainly "spam" as an descriptor of internet advertising really began with the Monty Python, the retroactive fit I wish to mention here is to make it into the acronym "Stupid Person's Advertising Message".
I use Backronym to describe the words contrived to fit a preconceived acronym. It isn't original, but I've never spotted it in a dictionary.
Is that the word you were looking for?
Glenn said:
I use Backronym to describe the words contrived to fit a preconceived acronym. It isn't original, but I've never spotted it in a dictionary.
Take heart, the online dictionaries have picked it up:
http://www.onelook.com/?w=backronym
Regarding names for colors: I vaguely remember a company (long ago - when I was in junior high) had clever-but-understandable names for the colors of their products. The only ones I recall are "Zane grey" and "tuckered-out plum"... but I'm sure the regulars on these forums could think of many more along the same line.