Short but powerful words

OMG, LOL, and more: Discover 10 popular abbreviations!

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Don’t you sometimes feel like we never have enough time to do anything in this fast-paced world? Our jobs, home lives, and hobbies seem intertwined with the never-ending, unstoppable speed of modern communication. However, we’ve managed to gain a few extra seconds in the most unlikely of places—our language. Abbreviations, acronyms, and other shortened words allow us to convey full messages with just a few letters. With that in mind, we’ve selected 10 of the most useful and popular abbreviations, hoping you’ll discover new vocabulary to help you gain some precious seconds for your enjoyment.

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It stands to reason that the most important person in the United States would be mentioned in countless newspapers, magazines, and press releases every day. So, it’s only natural that an abbreviation for "President of the United States" became necessary. Interestingly, the term POTUS was first used in the 19th century, with other abbreviations ending in -OTUS (like SCOTUS for the Supreme Court) also emerging during this time.

Speaking of…

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While the first known usage of POTUS dates back to 1865, the term FLOTUS (short for "First Lady of the United States") didn’t appear until the 1980s. Many believe it was first used as the Secret Service’s code name for First Lady Nancy Reagan. Over time, FLOTUS became part of everyday vocabulary, appearing in both media and official press releases.

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Since it’s mostly associated with internet culture, you might assume that OMG—short for "Oh my God"—is a relatively modern term. However, you may be surprised to learn that one of the earliest recorded uses of this abbreviation comes from an unexpected source: Sir Winston Churchill, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom during World War II. In a 1917 letter to Churchill, Admiral Fisher shared naval news and expressed his surprise over a resignation with the first known use of OMG.

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It can be quite difficult to convey laughter through text—everyone laughs differently, so how can we capture that mirth using only letters? Thankfully, we have LOL as a universal shorthand for "Laughing Out Loud." Like many abbreviations in this article, LOL became widespread through the internet, but its first recorded use is attributed to Wayne Pearson, who reportedly coined the term in a pre-internet chat room in the 1980s.

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As we mentioned earlier, we live in a fast-paced world, so it’s more than likely that you’ve come across this abbreviation at least once. Maybe a disgruntled boss has asked you for those important documents _ASAP_—which, of course, stands for "As Soon As Possible." Interestingly, if you’re familiar with medical dramas, you might also recognize the similar term stat, which comes from the Latin word statim and is used by doctors to convey urgency.

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Let’s say someone invites you to a barbecue and sends you an email with the time and place. If you come across the strange acronym BYOC, don’t panic! It’s just a friendly reminder to "Bring Your Own Chair" to the event. As you’d expect, context is key when using this acronym—the last letter can stand for almost anything, but it’s far more reasonable to bring a chair than a cantaloupe. Similar abbreviations include BYOB ("Bring Your Own Bottle") and BYOD ("Bring Your Own Device").

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Making something from scratch is always exciting—it’s in our nature to find joy in creating something out of nothing. In that sense, the phrase DIY fun perfectly describes the satisfaction we feel whenever we craft a new trinket or piece of furniture. DIY stands for "Do It Yourself" and is often used to describe simple (yet fulfilling) hands-on projects we can do around the house.

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This is an abbreviation we’re all too familiar with—who hasn’t grunted in frustration after seeing that the ETA of their flight has been delayed? ETA stands for "Estimated Time of Arrival" and applies to flights, buses, trains, or any other means of public transport. You’ve probably seen this acronym on an arrival timetable, hoping that the ETA wouldn’t change to a later time.

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Do you know what RSVP actually stands for? We all know it’s what we do with a formal invitation—but did you know we’ve even turned it into a verb? ("We RSVPed to his wedding invitation.") However, you might be surprised to learn that the words behind this abbreviation aren’t English. RSVP stands for répondez s’il vous plaît, a French phrase that translates to "Please reply."

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We’ll end this article with a promise: we’ll be back with another amazing piece sooner than you’d expect! If that last phrase felt like a mouthful, don’t worry—we’re happy to use our final abbreviation: BRB! BRB stands for "Be Right Back," and it became extremely popular thanks to online messaging. In the early days of the internet, this acronym was especially useful when you needed to step away from the computer but didn’t want the person you were chatting with to feel ignored.

Inventions from another planet!

Invisalign was invented by NASA? Find that out and more here!

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NASA may be all about exploring space, but they have also improved life on Earth, did you know that? For example, the sneakers you use to go for a run every week, that’s NASA’s work. The agency’s innovations have made their way into our everyday routines in surprising ways. Even if you’ve never dreamed of being an astronaut, you’re probably using NASA-inspired tech right now! Let’s go through some everyday items that wouldn’t exist without those geniuses at NASA.

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Do you know how your mattress molds to your body? Don’t you just love it? That’s memory foam, baby! Developed by NASA to protect astronauts during takeoff, this squishy wonder found its way into mattresses, pillows, and even bras!

It’s pressure-relieving, comfy, and perfect for sweet dreams. In short, thank you NASA! We owe you all of our good sleep nights!

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NASA didn’t invent the selfie, but they sure made it possible! Back in the 1990s, their scientists developed digital imaging sensors to snap pictures of planets and stars. These sensors became the foundation for your phone’s camera, DSLRs, and even GoPros.

It was only a matter of time until this technology was developed to make picture-perfect memories for ourselves, right?

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Ever been saved by Google Maps? We know you have, we’ve all been there! You can thank NASA for helping you find the way back.

In the 1990s, they perfected precision GPS software to correct navigation errors. This technology helps you avoid wrong turns, but it also assists ships, planes, and even tractors. Getting lost is so last century!

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Your favorite energy-saving light bulbs? Yep, NASA had a hand in that too! They studied how light impacts astronauts’ sleep cycles and created LEDs to mimic natural daylight or cozy nighttime hues.

Now, your home lighting can help you feel more alert in the morning or relaxed at bedtime. If you want to know what the vibe up there is, turn your light bulb on!

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Here’s a NASA win for these cute, little humans! While developing food for astronauts, researchers discovered omega-3 fatty acids. You may not know this, but they are vital for brain and eye development.

Today, over 90% of infant formulas include this breakthrough ingredient. Even babies benefit from NASA’s genius!

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Have you got one of those cordless handheld vacuums you can use for quick cleanups? No surprise over here, but they came straight from outta space!

NASA partnered with Black & Decker to develop tools for collecting moon samples. The result? The iconic Dustbuster! Now we use it for picking up cookie crumbles, but if anyone asks, you can say you’re using technology inspired by moon missions.

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Do you toss your glasses into your bag without a case? Thank NASA that they’re still scratch-free! Originally designed to protect astronaut helmets, this tough coating made its way to glasses, sunglasses, and safety goggles.

We don’t know about you, but we know a few nearsighted that are eternally grateful for this one!

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NASA didn’t just look to the stars, and visually impaired people are not the only ones who benefited! They also helped people hear them. Specifically a hearing-impaired astronaut, Adam Kissiah Jr.

In the late 1970s, this NASA engineer worked on improving the design behind cochlear implants, which turn sound into digital signals for the brain. This life-changing invention has restored hearing for millions.

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Have you ever noticed those shiny emergency blankets? NASA developed them in 1973 to protect the spacecraft from sunlight.

Today, they’re lifesavers for hikers, campers, and disaster relief. Compact and heat-reflective, they’re a must-have in any survival kit.

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NASA discovered that plants release ethylene gas in closed environments like space stations, which can cause spoilage. To fix it, they developed an ethylene scrubber.

Today, this tech is used in grocery stores to keep produce fresh and in homes to purify the air. Who knew astronauts and houseplants had so much in common?

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In some cases, NASA didn’t work alone. Take food safety standards, for example. They worked with Pillsbury to create food safety protocols for space missions. These guidelines set the gold standard for food storage, which ensured longer shelf lives and less contamination.

Every time you snack on freeze-dried fruit or camp food, you’re experiencing NASA’s tasty legacy. Bon appétit, space-style of course!

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Braces don’t have to be clunky anymore, thanks to NASA. Their work with clear ceramics for space equipment inspired the materials used in invisible braces like Invisalign.

Now you can straighten your teeth without looking like a teenager again. NASA’s tech doesn’t just fix rockets, it fixes smiles too. Is there anything they can’t do?

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Some things were not invented to solve an outer space problem, but the resources they have helped a lot!

For example in 2008, NASA helped Speedo design the LZR Racer swimsuit by testing materials in their wind tunnels. The result? A swimsuit so sleek that Olympic swimmers shattered records wearing it.

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Ever felt like your sneakers had a little bounce? Well, that’s actually NASA’s doing! They developed shock-absorbing materials for astronauts’ boots, which later inspired the cushioned soles in today’s athletic shoes.

Every time you take a comfortable step, you’re walking on spacial tech.

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Radiant barrier insulation, which was actually first created to regulate temperatures in spacecraft, found a home on Earth in 2004.

Applied to attics and walls, it can keep your home cooler in summer and warmer in winter. Thanks to NASA, staying comfy indoors is easier and cheaper than ever!