A brief excursion into abbreviations...AKA, e.g., and i.e.

If you've spent time writing, you've probably figured out a simple maxim: using complicated phrasing, latin words, and cool abbreviations makes you sound smart. Unless, of course, you use them incorrectly, thereby obfuscating whatever point you are trying to get across and making you look like an ass.

E.g., aka, and i.e. are three abbreviations that are often used interchangeably - and thus incorrectly. While their meanings are similar, they are not synonyms. Let's review what these abbreviations literally stand for:


aka - short for "as known as."

e.g. - short for "exempli gratia," which literally translates to "for the sake of example."

i.e. - short for "id est," which literally translates to "that is."

AKA is used almost exclusively to denote aliases, psuedonyms, nicknames, or other monikers by which a person, event, or thing is known.

Roller derby skater Chessa Johnson, aka "Chesstosterone," punched her opponent in the face, thereby winning a trip to the penalty box.

E.G. is used to provide illustrative examples.

When you see "e.g." think "for example."

In roller derby, penalties (e.g., skating out of bounds, tripping another skater, punching a skater in the face) are categorized as major or minor.

I.E. is used to introduce new vocabulary or provide an additional explanation.

When you see "i.e." think "in short," "that is," "as in," or "in other words."

Roller derby games (i.e., bouts) are exciting, and often well-attended, events.

Moral of this Story?

Never, ever use "i.e." in place of "e.g." They mean two totally different things! If you are listing off examples, you need to use "e.g." If you are paraphrasing what you just wrote, providing new nomenclature, or providing some sort of explanation, you want to use "i.e."

Also, never, ever confuse "aka" with "e.g.," either, unless you want people really wondering what you were thinking! If you are ticking off nicknames or alternative slang for a specific person or event, then you should go with "aka;" if you are giving examples of some general phenomenon, then you need to go with "e.g."

Want to Be a President?

What is up with presidents' inability to speak cogently? Don't you have speechwriters or - perhaps - a brain? Aren't you supposed to be well-educated?

First, I thought the poor diction was just good ole Dubya's Texas ways, but I am beginning to think that part of being a president - whether that's president of a company, a country, or a university - involves speaking as cryptically, nonsensically, and ironically as possible, probably in hopes of covering one's future ass.

Or maybe not. Maybe presidents just like to screw with people, because they can. Either way, our quote of the day is by president of Indiana University, Adam W. Herbert: "The young adults of tomorrow will be citizens of the world. We need to help them prepare for that obligation."

Wait, so if you, Mr. Herbert, are talking about the "young adults of tomorrow," presumably children attend your university? Did you mean to say that "the young adults of today will be citizens of the world tomorrow"?

Sadly, Indiana University thought Herbie's insight was so great, that they plastered it all over various IU promotional materials. We hope that the IU English Department doesn't lose accreditation in the near future.