a/k/a
Abbreviation for "also known as," useful when defining terms that are known under two or more names:
Shortwave radio, a/k/a World Band radio; or
Taiwan a/k/a Formosa.
Also pseudonyms vis-a-vis given names:
Victoria Beckham a/k/a Victoria Adams and Posh Spice.
A simplified use has more recently emerged: simply to type the letters. omitting the slashes (a/k/a "virgules") in between -- it is rare that anyone would confuse "aka" with a word called something like "akk-uh" and "aka" is easier to type:
David Johansen aka Buster Poindexter.
Reginald Dwight aka Elton John.
But both spellings are currently in use:
Do you have any biographical information about writer George Orwell, a/k/a (or aka) Eric Blair?
Although an abbreviation, note that no period is required.
.
Shortwave radio, a/k/a World Band radio; or
Taiwan a/k/a Formosa.
Also pseudonyms vis-a-vis given names:
Victoria Beckham a/k/a Victoria Adams and Posh Spice.
A simplified use has more recently emerged: simply to type the letters. omitting the slashes (a/k/a "virgules") in between -- it is rare that anyone would confuse "aka" with a word called something like "akk-uh" and "aka" is easier to type:
David Johansen aka Buster Poindexter.
Reginald Dwight aka Elton John.
But both spellings are currently in use:
Do you have any biographical information about writer George Orwell, a/k/a (or aka) Eric Blair?
Although an abbreviation, note that no period is required.
.
from a Wanted poster: Wanted: Johnny Breeze, a/k/a John Brahms, a/k/a John Briscoe, a/k/a John Buchanan . . .
(contributor's note: not a real person).
(contributor's note: not a real person).
a/k/a by al-in-chgo March 5, 2010
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