[ale] OT: Re: ping

[Ben Coleman]

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Robert Reese wrote:
> IIRC, you are; my memory indicates that the term was patterned after the
> sonar ping, and afterward the term's acronym was invented as you suggest.
> Again, if memory serves, this was a common computer geek trait back in
> the 70s and 80s: come up with a cool term then make up the acronym to fit.

Indeed.  I believe this is referred to as a 'backronyum'.

Ben
- --
Ben Coleman oloryn at benshome.net    | The attempt to legislatively
http://oloryn.home.mindspring.com/ | micromanage equality results, at best,
Amateur Radio NJ8J                 | in equal misery and mediocrity for all.
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