When I first joined Twitter, I encountered a few hashtags used by language service providers that I found awkward. Upon investigating them, I found them very interesting.

I know a lot of my colleagues don’t know all the abbreviations used in the translation world, so I figured it would be good to put them all in one post.

The following abbreviations are related to translation, interpretation and business. Some of them can be used as hashtags, while others are mainly used in emails.

XL8

Abbreviation for “Translate“. How, you ask? Well, here’s how:  “x” = trans; “l” = l (itself) and “8” = eight (ate) . Result: “trans” + “l” + “ate” = “translate”.

T9N

Abbreviation for “Translation“, as in: “t” = the first letter of translation, “9” = the number of letters between the first and last letter of translation and “n” being the last letter of translation”.

L10N

Stands for “Localization“. Following the same method as t9n, L10n has “l” = the first letter of localization, “10” = the number of letters between the first and last letter of localization and “n” being the last letter of localization.

I18n

Stands for “Internationalization:.

G11N

Stands for “Globalization“.

1nt

Stands for “Interpretation“.

NDA

Abbreviation for “Nondisclosure Agreement“, which a translator usually signs before taking on a new project from a new client.

BOB

“Beginning of Business“: when you agree that the deadline is for example the next day, early morning, at the beginning of the business day.

COB

“Close of Business“: when you agree that the deadline is at the end of the business day.

EOD

“End of Day“: just like COB, when your delivery is due at the end of a given business day.

ASAP

This is the notorious one. Do I really need to explain it?

Alright I will, as soon as possible 😀

If you know any other abbreviations related to the translation field, please share them with us in the comments below!