A backronym is a word interpreted as an acronym that was not originally so intended. This is a special case of what linguists call back-formation.
"Backronym" is a portmanteau of back and acronym. Discovering backronyms is a common form of wordplay among hackers.
Some examples of backronymns include:
- Acme - The canonical supplier of bizarre, elaborate, and non-functional gadgetry (from the "Roadrunner" cartoons), commonly backgronymed to A (or American) Company Making Everything.
- Mung - Green gram, a kind of pulse (Phaseolus Mungo), grown for food in British India, commonly backronymed as Mash Until No Good.
- Ahimsa - A religious concept which advocates non-violence and a respect for all life, Sanskrit for avoidance of himsa, or injury to sentient beings. It is commonly backronymed as Abstinence from animal products, Harmlessness with reverence for life, Integrity of thought, word, and deed, Mastery over oneself, Service to humanity, nature, and creation, and Advancement of understanding and truth.
