apronym

English

Etymology

Blend of apropos +‎ acronym.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈæp.ɹə.nɪm/

Noun

apronym (plural apronyms)

1. An acronym or backronym that spells out another word or phrase relating to the meaning of the phrase that it abbreviates.
   • 2018, Simon Lancaster, Speechwriting: The Expert Guide:

     If the acronym spells a word that suits the message (e.g. MAMA for Mothers Against Male Aggression) it is known as an apronym. Motivational speakers often use acronyms or apronyms because they are so easy to remember.

   • 2020, Nikesh Lalchandani, Payments and Banking in Australia:

     SWIFT was an apronym, an acronym that spelt a contextually meaningful word. It was meant to be fast. Indeed, SWIFT messages are literally lightning fast, travelling over wire at the speed of light, basically instantaneous.

Related terms

• aptronym

Translations

An acronym or backronym that spells out another word or phrase relating to the meaning of the phrase that it abbreviates

• German: Apronym (de) n
• Spanish: apropónimo m

References

• “apronym”, in OneLook Dictionary Search.