Forums > Specific Focus > Learning Spanish

colibri1

Oct 27, 2008, 5:42 AM

Post #1 of 10 (8289 views)

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Abbreviation Question

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Hi, you all-knowing ones out there....I need help once again! A long standing puzzlement....why is it E.E.U.U.? And why is it F.F.C.C.?
Enlighten me, por favor,
Gracias!

Rolly

Oct 27, 2008, 6:48 AM

Post #2 of 10 (8283 views)

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Re: [colibri1] Abbreviation Question

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The double letters indicate that the antecedent is plural. Estados Unidos is abbreviated as EE UU, but often as just E.U.

Rolly Pirate

sergiogomez / Moderator

Oct 27, 2008, 12:08 PM

Post #3 of 10 (8267 views)

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Re: [colibri1] Abbreviation Question

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As Rolly said, it means that whatever is being abbreviated is plural. Estados Unidos, FerroCarriles, etc. Odd, but every language has its quirks. Rules change: sometimes people use single letters, especially for "estados unidos," but double letters are always more acceptable.

raferguson

Oct 27, 2008, 1:47 PM

Post #4 of 10 (8261 views)

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Re: [colibri1] Abbreviation Question

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Thanks guys, a new one on me, learn something every day. Glad somebody asked the question.

Richard

http://www.fergusonsculpture.com

jerezano

Oct 28, 2008, 8:09 AM

Post #5 of 10 (8240 views)

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Re: [raferguson] Abbreviation Question

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Hello,

By the way the correct way to write plurals is:

EE.UU.AA. and FF.CC. It is not E.E.U.U.A.A. nor F.F.C.C.

We humans are smart and lazy. In fact we are so smart and lazy that many of us write EEUUAA and FFCC

jerezano

colibri1

Oct 29, 2008, 6:11 AM

Post #6 of 10 (8216 views)

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Re: [jerezano] Abbreviation Question

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Thanks to all for the specific clarifications!

jerezano

Oct 29, 2008, 8:21 AM

Post #7 of 10 (8209 views)

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Re: [colibri1] Abbreviation Question

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Hello:

Good. Now that we know all about how to write plurals in capital letters here is a test: What does EE.UU.MM. mean? It's the official name of a developing country commonly referred to as ......

This should be pan comido (a piece of cake).

jerezano.

Rolly

Oct 29, 2008, 8:42 AM

Post #8 of 10 (8206 views)

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Re: [jerezano] Abbreviation Question

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México

Rolly Pirate

jerezano

Oct 29, 2008, 8:52 AM

Post #9 of 10 (8204 views)

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Re: [Rolly] Abbreviation Question

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Hello Rolly,

Well yes, México (I note you put the accent, good!) but what does EE.UU.MM. mean? What is the official, legal name of México? México is not the official name of the beautiful country in which you and I live.

jerezano.

Oscar2

Oct 29, 2008, 8:59 AM

Post #10 of 10 (8201 views)

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Re: [jerezano] Abbreviation Question

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Estados Unidos Mexicanos