(XPS is good for figuring out what elements are present on the surface of a sample – you can read about it in this blog post). For example, if I were writing a paper about a technique known as XPS, writing out X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy every time I referred to the technique would add so many unnecessary words! Writing XPS allows us to save room and saves the reader time. In addition to reducing the intimidation factor that comes from scientific jargon, abbreviations can also help us to communicate more efficiently. See if you can spot the differences! (Left image courtesy of Paul Bender Chemistry Instrumentation Center at UW-Madison right image by Citron ) On the left is a SQUID used to measure small magnetic fields and on the right is a squid that could be found in the ocean. Two different squids in their natural habitats. To truly understand how the method works, I would have to know more than just the acronym, of course, but for many readers that deeper explanation is not necessary. Now, if someone told me, “We can measure small magnetic fields using an instrument called SQUID,” I’d be entertained and engaged, and I would get mostly the same information as from the first sentence. If I someone told me, “We can measure small magnetic fields using a Superconducting QUantum Interference Device,” I would understand that they are describing a measurement technique, but I would also be intimidated by the long name. Isn’t that better? Sure, SQUID doesn’t tell us anything about what the device does, but at least you don’t want to stop reading immediately and go for a walk. The acronym for this instrument is SQUID. Take, for example, the term “superconducting quantum interference device.” That’s a mouthful and I’m not even sure what it all means. It turns out that scientists love creating new abbreviations, especially acronyms with which they can show off some creativity and humor.

Clever abbreviations for words