I find acronyms offensive. Dropping a blob of letters into everyday speech does not elevate the speaker, it alienates the listener.
From this an ongoing list of the silly, senseless, and at times brilliant acronymical sentences and definitions, both common and uncommon, I hope to demonstrate the parody of initials trying to find meaning when all we really want is to be relatable human beings.
Simple?
Session Initiation Protocol for Instant Presence Leveraging Extensions
ERP?
Early race performance
ERP?
Easily replaceable part
ERP?
Earth rotation parameters
ROI?
Replacement of Obsolete Items
which may lead to…
ROI?
Risk of incineration
Unless you get it…
JEP?
Just Exactly Perfect

There is a dichotomy in the use of acronyms. On the one hand, using shorthand in casual interactions—text, instant messaging, etc.—implies a shared language and sense of community for those who understand it. On the other hand, for those who do not understand the meaning behind SMH or BRB, the experience can be isolating. Adding a layer of industry jargon in acronym form can lead to a breakdown in communication and, ultimately, stakeholder relations. Instead of boosting morale and building a sense of community, the use of acronyms can be a source of division.

Consider this: you’re in a meeting with a client discussing ERP: enterprise resource planning. Your client freezes, wondering which acronym you are referring to. While you continue discussing supply chain operations, your client is stuck trying to decipher ERP. Emergency Response Plan? Estimated Retail Price? You now have a disconnect. You’ve isolated your client, both from the conversation and the industry, and you’ve made them feel like an outsider.

If we want to bolster the sense of community within the software industry and build relations with external stakeholders, we need to set aside the ERPs and ROIs. Speaking in industry jargon may give the appearance of expertise and knowledge, but effectively communicating with clients conveys competence and promotes confidence.

There is value in shorthand communication when all parties comprehend. But save the jargon for internal meetings and informal communication within the industry, if you must, and choose to engage with clients in a more effective and recognizable manner.

Thanks to https://acronyms.thefreedictionary.com/ for ideas and quite a few laughs