alphabetism

Etymology

Definitions

1. 1

   An initialism

   An initialism: an abbreviation which is read letter by letter, such as UN.

   • Some alphabetisms are written as if they weren't alphabetisms at all, like deejay for DJ, disc jockey, or emcee for MC, master of ceremonies.
2. 2

   The ability to read an alphabet, a rudimentary form of literacy.

3. 3

   Excessive reliance upon the alphabet or alphabetic structures.

   • The answer, I suggest, is that phonemism is rooted in alphabetism. Indeed, many linguists have suggested that there really is a /g/ phoneme at the end of 'fang' and other [ŋ]-final words in English, except that they are not pronounced!
4. ›+ 1 more definitionshow fewer

   1. 4

      Discrimination on the basis of the first letter of a name.

      • The injustice of "alphabetism" is, of course, a thorn in the Zitser side, and he playfully promises to assign the problem to "alphabetically neutral" aides.

The neighborhood

• neighboralphabetization
• neighboranalphabetism