RAS syndrome

RAS syndrome is the use of a word from an acronym or initialism alongside its abbreviated form, effectively repeating that word. Examples include “PIN number” and “ATM machine”. The term means “redundant acronym syndrome”, so “RAS syndrome” is itself autological. Coined in a light-hearted New Scientist column in 2001, it is considered poor style by some usage commentators, particularly in formal writing, although it is common in speech.

Meaning

Redundant use of acronym words with the abbreviation

Term coined

2001, in a New Scientist column

Example

PIN number