Disappearing Medical Slang
In these litigious times, one must be oh so careful what one says, even if couched in non-offensive code. But even the intent to judge the value, credibility or pulchritude of a customer, patient or client is verboten, and so impoverishes the language of such wonderful acronyms as those below.
CTD - Circling the Drain (A patient expected to die soon)
GPO - Good for Parts Only
TEETH - Tried Everything Else, Try Homeopathy
UBI - Unexplained Beer Injury
And from my own medical past:
TOBAS - Take Out Back And Shoot
OPD - Obnoxious Personality Disorder
GALP - Get A Life Program (suggested for some chronic whiners)
Do you have some you'd like to share from your profession? Send them here for safekeeping before the Humour Police come search your computer!
Comments
Apparently one such acronym used in the UK in a rural county area is NFN - which means 'Normal for Norfolk' - I guess your readers in the USA can find their own equivalent place!
Posted by: Ian | August 27, 2003 1:39 PM
Paediatrics:
FLK - "Funny Looking Kid" for a non identifiable syndrome.
Posted by: Jenny | August 27, 2003 3:56 PM
PFO - pissed, fell over
LOL - little old lady
Posted by: Geoff | August 27, 2003 5:28 PM
PEBKAC - Problem Exists Between Keyboard And Chair
FOP - F**king Old People (generally exclaimed in cars)
Posted by: Ren | August 27, 2003 11:46 PM
I knew I'd forget a couple...
SNAFU - Situation Normal - All F**ked Up.
FUBAR - F**ked Up Beyond All Recognition.
Posted by: Ren | August 27, 2003 11:47 PM
Ren--You failed to mention FYP! (Ah, the first volley from a LOL.)
Posted by: Cop Car | August 28, 2003 7:34 AM
To Whom It May Concern:
I would like to find some sort of research done on the Funny Looking Kid Syndrome. Please help me locate such material.
Thanks,
steve
Posted by: Steve Heermann | October 18, 2003 8:01 PM