A Very Brief Summary of IT Acronyms and Slang
by A small dictionary of sorts, that summarizes some popular acronyms and slang that are used throughout information technology departments worldwide.
In no way is this intended to be an all-inclusive list, it is just a very brief summary of some popular IT acronyms and slang that were used in the IT departments I used to work for, a long… long time ago. Times have possibly changed since then…
This also happens to be the PG-rated version, if humanity ever discovers that some IT professionals have mouths which are dirtier than those of most salty, old sailors–those sailors would be out of jobs. So, in places where I have inserted words like “flock”, it may become necessary-but not mandatory–to imagine a favorite expletive or two. For example: I strongly suggest you make like a sheepherder and get the flock out of here!
FIJFI-Flock It Just Flock It
Popular usage: Usually used as a cry of desperation, when something has gone so horribly wrong that there is little… to no hope in sight… to correct it.
Less than popular usage: As a way to encourage indifference in others.
Example of usage: One IT professional is in a server room alone because the primary server just crashed, there is no backup, all the hard drives are dead, and small rodents have eaten through the electrical cables. This server also needs to be available 24/7. It is entirely possible that this person may then say, “FIJFI!” in this situation.
RTFM -Read The Flockin’ Manual
Popular usage: Normally used as an expression of disgust and disappointment with the presence of another IT professional who just asked a question that was answered in the flockin’ manual, for whatever technology that is being discussed–which they should have read already.
Less than popular usage: Currently unavailable, page cannot be displayed.
Example of usage: “RTFM will you!”
STFU -Shut The Flock Up
Popular usage: An expression of surprise or disbelief.
Less than popular usage: To silence unruly IT professionals, usually those that should have RTFM.
Example of usage: IT professional one says, “They just discovered life on Uranus!” IT professional two says, “STFU!”
WTF -What The Flock
Popular usage: Expression of surprise or disbelief, similar to, but not identical to STFU.
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