Initialisms vs Acronyms
HTTP, SQL, API, CRUD, REST, YAML, AWS, OWASP — which do you spell out and which do you say as a word?
Key distinction
- Acronym = pronounced as a word: CRUD = "crud," REST = "rest," YAML = "yam-el," NASA = "NAY-suh"
- Initialism = spelled out letter by letter: HTTP = "aitch-tee-tee-pee," API = "ay-pee-eye," CPU = "see-pee-you"
- Disputed: SQL ("sequel" vs "ess-cue-el"), GIF ("jif" vs "gif")
- Rule of thumb: if it can form pronounceable syllables, it is likely said as a word
- AWS = initialism: "ay-double-you-ess" — never "aws" as a word
Question 0 of 5
Which of these is an acronym (pronounced as a word) rather than an initialism (spelled out letter by letter)?
CRUD is an acronym — it is pronounced as a single word: "crud." HTTP is an initialism: "aitch-tee-tee-pee." API is an initialism: "ay-pee-eye." SQL is debated: many say "sequel" (acronym) but some say "ess-cue-el" (initialism). CRUD (Create, Read, Update, Delete) is always pronounced as one syllable word — you would never hear "see-ar-you-dee" in a tech conversation.
How do most English-speaking developers say SQL?
"Sequel" is dominant but "ess-cue-el" is accepted. The word "SQL" was originally designed to be pronounced "sequel" (after the predecessor language SEQUEL). Most developers and DBAs say "sequel." However, "ess-cue-el" is also heard, especially in formal or written contexts. Both are correct. Saying the full form "Structured Query Language" is rare in conversation — only in introductions or when explaining the term.
How is REST pronounced?
REST is always pronounced as the word "rest." It stands for Representational State Transfer but is always said as a single syllable: "a REST API," "this is RESTful," "the REST endpoint." Nobody says "ar-ee-ess-tee API." This is a true acronym. Similarly, REST → RESTful adds the suffix: "rest-ful," not "ar-ee-ess-tee-ful."
How do you say YAML (the data serialization format)?
"Yam-el" (two syllables) is correct — it rhymes with "camel" but with a "y" start: YAM-ul. YAML stands for "YAML Ain't Markup Language" (a recursive acronym). It is always pronounced as a word, never spelled out as "why-ay-em-el." If you are uncertain, just remember: it sounds like "camel" with a Y: YAM-ul.
How is OWASP typically pronounced?
"Oh-wah-sp" is the most common pronunciation but all forms are heard. OWASP (Open Web Application Security Project) is treated as an acronym: "oh-wah-sp." Some say "oh-wasp" (matching the insect). A minority spell it out: "oh-double-you-ay-ess-pee." In security conferences and teams, "oh-wah-sp" is dominant. If unsure, saying "oh-wah-sp top ten" will be universally understood.