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."