Date   : Tue, 07 Feb 2006 17:17:42 -0000
From   : "Colin f" <colin@...>
Subject: Re: Grammar

 
 
> If it doesn't form a pronouncable word, then it's an 
> abbreviation rather
> than an acronym.
> 
> 'NATO' is an acronym, 'BBC' is an abbreviation.

To be really pedantic...
An acronym is a pronouncable word, an initialism is the letters read out.
Both are forms of abbreviation.

http://www.askoxford.com/concise_oed/acronym
http://www.askoxford.com/concise_oed/initialism

Cheers,
Colin f