When too many letters just confuse: the rise of alphabet soup in headlines

WHEN TOO MANY LETTERS JUST CONFUSE: THE RISE OF ALPHABET SOUP IN HEADLINES

You’re definitely not alone. I’ve had contractors toss around “RFI” and “PO” like I should know what they mean. Asking for plain language isn’t unreasonable at all - if anything, it keeps everyone on the same page. If they push back, that’s a sign to slow things down and double-check everything. It’s your money, after all.

WHEN TOO MANY LETTERS JUST CONFUSE: THE RISE OF ALPHABET SOUP IN HEADLINES

I get where you’re coming from, but honestly, those abbreviations do serve a purpose - especially when you’re knee-deep in project docs. I remember the first time I saw “CO” on a change order and thought it meant “Colorado.” Once you get the hang of the lingo, it actually speeds things up. That said, I do try to spell things out for clients who aren’t familiar. It’s a balance, I guess.

I remember the first time I saw “CO” on a change order and thought it meant “Colorado.”

Yeah, been there. The first time I saw “RFI” in a spec sheet, I had to Google it - felt like I was reading a secret code. Once you’re used to it, sure, it’s faster, but when I’m working with subs or family helping out, I have to slow down and translate half the time. It’s efficient for those in the know, but man, it can be a headache for anyone new or just trying to follow along. There’s definitely a sweet spot between clarity and shorthand... not always easy to hit.

Once you’re used to it, sure, it’s faster, but when I’m working with subs or family helping out, I have to slow down and translate half the time.

Same here. I remember a project where my dad kept asking what “GC” meant - he thought it was some kind of material code. Even now, I catch myself writing “PO” or “NTP” on notes and realizing nobody outside the crew has a clue. It saves time for us, but yeah, definitely not always clear for everyone else.

Title: Alphabet Soup Can Be a Real Headache Sometimes

- Totally get it. “

Even now, I catch myself writing ‘PO’ or ‘NTP’ on notes and realizing nobody outside the crew has a clue.

” That’s me on every walkthrough with clients - half the time, I’m translating my own scribbles.
- It’s wild how fast we slip into shorthand. Makes things fly when it’s just the crew, but yeah, toss in family or a new sub and suddenly you’re fielding a dozen questions about what “RFI” or “T&M” means.
- Honestly, I don’t think there’s anything wrong with using our lingo - it’s part of what makes a team click. But man, I’ve had homeowners look at a punch list and just stare like it’s in code.
- Sometimes I try to write things out more for folks not in the loop, but then my notes get long and messy. There’s gotta be a balance somewhere...
- At least we’re noticing it, right? Shows we care about keeping everyone on the same page - even if that means slowing down sometimes.

It’s kind of funny how something that saves us time can end up adding confusion for everyone else. Guess it keeps things interesting.