What is SPAM an acronym for?

The word spam, meaning unsolicited digital messages, is not a true acronym. The term came about as a reference to a Monty Python sketch that features the word “SPAM” many times. The sketch is set in a café, and a customer becomes increasingly annoyed that everything on the menu contains the meat product SPAM and that the other characters in the sketch keep repeating this word.

SPAM is a brand name, which is believed to be short for “spiced ham.” Therefore, “spam” is a portmanteau rather than a true acronym.

QuillBot’s free AI acronym generator will help you devise memorable acronyms for your creative ideas.

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What does TLDR mean in business?

TL;DR means “too long; didn’t read” in business documents and communications. A TL;DR is a summary of the main points for people who need the information but don’t have time to read the full text.

Business professionals sometimes include a TL;DR on the first page of a lengthy document or in the email that includes an attachment. Someone can also request a TL;DR of a document they received but don’t have time to read.

When you need to write a TL;DR of a business document, QuillBot’s free Summarizer will instantly provide a concise summary.

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What does TLDR mean in texting?

TL;DR means “too long; didn’t read” in texting, where it can be a response to a text message or a summary of a long text message that you wrote.

When people respond to a long text message with TL;DR, it’s usually a form of criticism. A more polite response is, “I’m sorry. I don’t have time to read this. Could you tell me the short version?”

When you write a very long text message, you can end it with a TL;DR to acknowledge your own verbosity and/or show respect for your reader’s time (e.g., TL;DR I have tried that new ramen place, and it’s amazing but pricey).

In text messages, TL;DR has capital letters. The QuillBot app will automatically capitalize initialisms like TL;DR when you type them in lowercase.

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What does TLDR mean on Reddit?

TL;DR means “too long; didn’t read” on Reddit, where it can be a response to a long post that someone else wrote or the writer’s summary of their own post.

When people respond TL;DR on Reddit, it’s usually impolite, dismissive, and unnecessary.

However, if you write a long post on Reddit, you can include a TL;DR (a 1–2 sentence summary of the main idea or key takeaway) at the end of your post as a courtesy (e.g., “TL;DR Kansas City has a lot to offer for young, single professionals”).

When you encounter posts that are too long for you to read, why not try QuillBot’s free Summarizer? It will automatically show you the main points.

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Is it e.t.c. or etc?

The abbreviation for “et cetera” is “etc.” (with one period after the “c”), not e.t.c. or etc (with two periods or no period). Use a period at the end of “etc.” whether it’s in the middle or end of a sentence, like these examples:

 

  • The photographer put her camera, lenses, etc. in a black bag. 
  • Flora can bake anything: pies, cakes, breads, etc.

Have you tried QuillBot’s free Grammar Checker? It can instantly show you how to write “etc.” and other common abbreviations.

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Does etc need a period?

Usually, etc. needs a period to show that it’s an abbreviation for “et cetera.” You need one period after the “c.” Use a period at the end of “etc.” whether it’s in the middle or end of a sentence, like these examples:

 

  • Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, etc.
  • We put the tent, sleeping bags, etc. in the back of the car and drove to a hotel. 

People often drop the period for “etc.” in text messages, and that’s usually okay. The period is mainly important in academic essays and other formal writing. In those situations, the QuillBot Grammar Checker can show you when to use a period.

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Is there a comma before etc?

Yes, there is a comma before etc. The “etc.” abbreviation for “et cetera” means “and more things,” so it goes after an Oxford comma that joins a final item to a list. (You don’t need “and” before “etc.,” though.) Examples of a comma before “etc.” include the following: 

 

  • The doctor told Ray to avoid jogging, weightlifting, swimming, etc.
  • Amanda collects acoustic string instruments (banjos, mandolins, etc.) and plays in a bluegrass band. 

QuillBot’s free Grammar Checker can instantly show you where you need commas in different forms of writing.

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