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Thread: Is there a directory of abbreviations available anywhere...

  1. #1
    Registered User Cathal Whelehan's Avatar
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    Default Is there a directory of abbreviations available anywhere...

    one of the things I found a little challenging when reading this site as a complete newcomer to mandolins in the last few months is the abbreviations that are used so liberally. I don't mean LOL and that. I mean the mandolin-jargon type abbreviation.

    I've worked out the ones that are easiest (such as OM etc.) from the context they're used in, but there are still several I can't get to the bottom of so would it be futile for me to hope there might some sort of directory? Searching comes up with nothing.

    For now, I'd be happy if you could please post some picture clues that would explain the meaning of MAS. That's the one that's completely foxed me every time.

    Many thanks. C
    Cathal

    Dave Shapiro mandolin (in progress - ETA Dec 2011/Jan 2012)
    Stanford DFM-300 mandolin (2009)
    Eastman MD604 mandolin (2007)
    John Hullah bouzouki (1989)
    Clareen Oyster tenor banjo (2011)

  2. #2
    Registered User Cathal Whelehan's Avatar
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    Default Re: Is there a directory of abbreviations available anywhere...

    ^^^ please ignore the post above.

    I've found what I was looking for now.

    My fault for using the search function incorrectly the first time.
    Cathal

    Dave Shapiro mandolin (in progress - ETA Dec 2011/Jan 2012)
    Stanford DFM-300 mandolin (2009)
    Eastman MD604 mandolin (2007)
    John Hullah bouzouki (1989)
    Clareen Oyster tenor banjo (2011)

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    Moderator JEStanek's Avatar
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    Default Re: Is there a directory of abbreviations available anywhere...

    If I see an acronym like YMMV or IIRC I'll google it and get the definition pretty easily (your mileage may vary, and If I recall correctly). MAS. It's nice to have a diagnosis of the disease (Mandolin Acquisition Syndrome. When one isn't enough). I added these in case others search for them, Cathal.

    Jamie
    There are two things to aim at in life: first, to get what you want; and, after that, to enjoy it. Only the wisest of mankind achieve the second. Logan Pearsall Smith, 1865 - 1946

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    Registered User John Flynn's Avatar
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    Default Re: Is there a directory of abbreviations available anywhere...

    When I was in the Navy, we had an official publication, "The Dictionary of Naval Abbreviations." The designation of the publication, shown in bold letters on the cover, I am not making this up, was "DICNAVAB," and the abbreviation DICNAVAB was listed and defined in the publication itself. The Navy was full of ironies! Maybe someone here needs to create a DICMANAB!

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    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
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    Default Re: Is there a directory of abbreviations available anywhere...

    It's really already here in several posts. The OP (Original Poster) found it using the search function. For those interested check out this thread.

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    Registered User Cathal Whelehan's Avatar
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    Default Re: Is there a directory of abbreviations available anywhere...

    Quote Originally Posted by JEStanek View Post
    If I see an acronym like YMMV or IIRC I'll google it and get the definition pretty easily (your mileage may vary, and If I recall correctly). MAS. It's nice to have a diagnosis of the disease (Mandolin Acquisition Syndrome. When one isn't enough). I added these in case others search for them, Cathal.

    Jamie
    Thank you Jamie,

    I'm fairly certain it was a sentence from one of your posts that produced my best guess when you posted something like "this is what happens when MAS get out of hand"

    The top-ranked 'possible' before finding out the answer was: "Mandolins And S###" . Not that far removed, really.

    All the best. C
    Cathal

    Dave Shapiro mandolin (in progress - ETA Dec 2011/Jan 2012)
    Stanford DFM-300 mandolin (2009)
    Eastman MD604 mandolin (2007)
    John Hullah bouzouki (1989)
    Clareen Oyster tenor banjo (2011)

  7. #7
    Registered User Cathal Whelehan's Avatar
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    Default Re: Is there a directory of abbreviations available anywhere...

    Quote Originally Posted by MikeEdgerton View Post
    It's really already here in several posts. The OP (Original Poster) found it using the search function. For those interested check out this thread.
    Hello Mike,

    yes that's the thread I used too, sorry I should really have given a link to the thread myself rather that you having to do it. I've noticed your 'while you're waiting for a reply, check out these threads' posts on several occasions so I'm sure you're tired of pointing people towards the search function.

    When I first used the search it wasn't immediately apparent why I had been given certain results (ie the thread title seemed to be about something else altogether), but today I noticed that my search words are highlighted red so I can scan over the rest if need be.

    Now I understand it, it's brilliant. I can only urge new users to use the search function first and then ask, I had a whole list of questions I wanted to ask and I've now already found answers to half of them and I'm sure the rest will be all but cleared up soon too. Great site in all respects, many thanks!! C
    Cathal

    Dave Shapiro mandolin (in progress - ETA Dec 2011/Jan 2012)
    Stanford DFM-300 mandolin (2009)
    Eastman MD604 mandolin (2007)
    John Hullah bouzouki (1989)
    Clareen Oyster tenor banjo (2011)

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    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
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    Default Re: Is there a directory of abbreviations available anywhere...

    I never get tired of pointing folks to the vast wealth of knowledge contained in old threads.

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    Professional Dreamer journeybear's Avatar
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    Default Re: Is there a directory of abbreviations available anywhere...

    In fact, I believe there's a thread about that. Now, if I could only find it ...


    But that's just my opinion. I could be wrong. - Dennis Miller

    Furthering Mandolin Consciousness

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    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
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    Default Re: Is there a directory of abbreviations available anywhere...

    Most likely there is.

  11. #11
    Professional Dreamer journeybear's Avatar
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    Default Re: Is there a directory of abbreviations available anywhere...

    No way. If there were, you would know about it! You and Jamie are super-skilled in this area.

    BTW, for the OP and all, wikipedia (of course) has a list of a gazillion of acronyms (which these really are, not abbreviations). When I saw how many they had, I began to LMAO ...
    But that's just my opinion. I could be wrong. - Dennis Miller

    Furthering Mandolin Consciousness

    Finders Keepers, my duo with the astoundingly talented and versatile Patti Rothberg. Our EP is finally done, and available! PM me, while they last!

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    iii mandolin Geoff B's Avatar
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    Default Re: Is there a directory of abbreviations available anywhere...

    this list answered a lot of my questions very quickly with internet-related abbreviations, not-mando-specific, or ira-nms (just made that one up! wooo!)
    http://www.romulus2.com/articles/guides/shorthand/shorthand.shtml

  13. #13
    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
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    Default Re: Is there a directory of abbreviations available anywhere...

    I think we had a list where we were making them up on the fly as well. I'll have to look for that one.

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    Professional Dreamer journeybear's Avatar
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    Default Re: Is there a directory of abbreviations available anywhere...

    You know, if we only had a FAQ ...

    That is a good list, Geoff, being internet-specific. The wikipedia one is more comprehensive, and so includes acronyms not in common usage on the web.
    But that's just my opinion. I could be wrong. - Dennis Miller

    Furthering Mandolin Consciousness

    Finders Keepers, my duo with the astoundingly talented and versatile Patti Rothberg. Our EP is finally done, and available! PM me, while they last!

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    Registered User lmartnla's Avatar
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    Default Re: Is there a directory of abbreviations available anywhere...

    This site gives exhaustive lists of acronym meanings across myriad specialties:

    http://acronyms.thefreedictionary.com/

    Try it!

  16. #16
    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
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    Default Re: Is there a directory of abbreviations available anywhere...

    Quote Originally Posted by journeybear View Post
    You know, if we only had a FAQ ... ...
    Have you ever seen this? The main page has some great links. Folks will still ask and we'll still answer.

  17. #17
    Professional Dreamer journeybear's Avatar
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    Default Re: Is there a directory of abbreviations available anywhere...

    Well, now - no, I hadn't. At least there's that. Would be nice if there were a link. Also, badly in need of alphabetization ... just sayin' ...

    Here are the M's, f'rinstance. I 'bout fell out of my chair when I didn't see "mandolin" but then I scrolled to the bottom.

    But seriously - I'd cheerfully alphabetize this if someone would tellm where to send the corrected entries.


    Mortise and Tenon
    Mortise and tenon is a type of neck joint used in instrument construction.

    Mandobass
    A mandobass usually has four unpaired strings and is plucked with the fingers.

    Mandocello
    This is analogous to the cello and tuned one octave below the mandola: C, G, D, A.

    Mandola
    In the US, this term is usually applied to an instrument tuned one fifth below the mandolin, analogous to the viola: c, g, d, a.

    Metronome
    A metronome is a practice aid that sounds or displays beats at the tempo it is set to. There are two basic types: mechanical and electronic. Most music accessory stores and online vendors carry a wide selection.

    MAS - Mandolin Acquisition Syndrome
    A tongue-in-cheek reference made originally on the CoMando listserv that stuck and has become a common term used within the web community.

    Bill Monroe
    Born in Rosine, Kentucky, Bill Monroe is the acknowledged creator (ie, the "Father") of Bluegrass Music, a style of music that takes its name from his band The Bluegrass Boys.

    Mandolin
    The roots of the word "mandolin" are derived from the Italian for "little almond."
    But that's just my opinion. I could be wrong. - Dennis Miller

    Furthering Mandolin Consciousness

    Finders Keepers, my duo with the astoundingly talented and versatile Patti Rothberg. Our EP is finally done, and available! PM me, while they last!

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    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
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    Default Re: Is there a directory of abbreviations available anywhere...

    There's a link on the home page. It's always been there.

  19. #19
    Professional Dreamer journeybear's Avatar
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    Default Re: Is there a directory of abbreviations available anywhere...

    Aha! OK, my mistake. I have my favorites set up so I go directly to the message board, hardly ever go to the home page except to check the news once in a while.
    But that's just my opinion. I could be wrong. - Dennis Miller

    Furthering Mandolin Consciousness

    Finders Keepers, my duo with the astoundingly talented and versatile Patti Rothberg. Our EP is finally done, and available! PM me, while they last!

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    Registered User Mandoblab's Avatar
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    Default Re: Is there a directory of abbreviations available anywhere...

    Hello Everybody,

    I use the Search function all the time and find it very useful for finding a fast answer to a question I may have. When the seach term stands out in red, one can easily zoom through a very long thread for the posts one might need.

    However, I have one request for folks to consider. A number of posters use red letters as part of their posting format. Unfortunately, those words catch the eye and tend to repeatedly halt one's quick scanning of the thread.

    I would ask posters to consider dropping the use of red letters (can a different color be used?) for the sake of all of us "Thread Searchers."

    Thanks for your consideration,
    Mandoblab

  21. #21
    Professional Dreamer journeybear's Avatar
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    Default Re: Is there a directory of abbreviations available anywhere...

    Best to grin and bear it rather than tilt at windmills. Leopards and spots and all that ...

    Also best to start a new thread concerning an unrelated topic.

    Best of luck!
    But that's just my opinion. I could be wrong. - Dennis Miller

    Furthering Mandolin Consciousness

    Finders Keepers, my duo with the astoundingly talented and versatile Patti Rothberg. Our EP is finally done, and available! PM me, while they last!

  22. #22
    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
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    Default Re: Is there a directory of abbreviations available anywhere...

    I don't see very many people using colors on their postings. We had a few that went crazy a while back but that appears to have stopped.

  23. #23
    Registered User Cathal Whelehan's Avatar
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    Default Re: Is there a directory of abbreviations available anywhere...

    Quote Originally Posted by Mandoblab View Post
    ....I would ask posters to consider dropping the use of red letters (can a different color be used?) for the sake of all of us "Thread Searchers."...
    I continuously search threads and don't find it a problem. You can see at a glance that the rogue red words (which I've yet to see, IIH, WIA*) are not words you searched for so you move on.

    * If I'm honest, which I am.
    Cathal

    Dave Shapiro mandolin (in progress - ETA Dec 2011/Jan 2012)
    Stanford DFM-300 mandolin (2009)
    Eastman MD604 mandolin (2007)
    John Hullah bouzouki (1989)
    Clareen Oyster tenor banjo (2011)

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    Moderator JEStanek's Avatar
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    Default Re: Is there a directory of abbreviations available anywhere...

    You can skip my red word in my Signature by turning off View Signatures in your User CP.

    Jamie
    There are two things to aim at in life: first, to get what you want; and, after that, to enjoy it. Only the wisest of mankind achieve the second. Logan Pearsall Smith, 1865 - 1946

    + Give Blood, Save a Life +

  25. #25
    Registered User Mandoblab's Avatar
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    Default Re: Is there a directory of abbreviations available anywhere...

    Thanks Jamie. Your solution solved the problem for me.

    Mandoblab

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