# Abbreviated Fail Branding Companies Named WTF, OMG & STD Could Give the Wrong Idea By Jacqueline Parrish | Published 2009-10-01 | Marketing Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/abbreviated-fail References: [thefrisky](http://www.thefrisky.com/post/246-when-naming-a-company-make-sure-the-initials-arent-tit/) & [acronymfinder](http://www.acronymfinder.com/) With the advent of abbreviation in mainstream and computer vocabulary, there are a few companies that could benefit from [rebranding](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cleveland-football-academy) or changing acronymed logos to avoid an abbreviated fail. These abbreviated fail examples come to us from such companies as the WTF ([World Taekwondo Federation](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/big-hug-1)) which in computer lingo stands for What the F*ck, [LOL](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lol-url) (Lord of Life) church... I doubt god is laughing, and STD Development which I think is an abbreviated fail that speaks for itself. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.9/10 - Popularity: 73% | Activity: 35% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/marketing) > [Branding](https://www.trendhunter.com/branding) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Rebranding:** Opportunity for companies to consider rebranding or changing their acronymed logos. - **Acronym Awareness:** Emphasis on raising awareness about potential negative interpretations of acronyms in mainstream and computer vocabulary. - **Language Sensitivity:** Growing need for companies to be cautious and sensitive to potential offensive interpretations of their acronyms. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Marketing and Branding:** Opportunity for marketing and branding agencies to help companies navigate rebranding challenges and develop new brand strategies. - **Technology and Computing:** Demand for technology companies to strengthen their awareness of existing acronyms and avoid situations where their brand names clash with commonly used abbreviations. - **Communication and Media:** Opportunity for communication and media professionals to educate the public on the potential pitfalls of acronyms and foster language sensitivity in branding. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Brand Name Visualizers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/does-this-make-my-brand-look-fat.md) - [Cheeky Family-Friendly Swearing Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/youll-swear-by-them.md) - [Creative Experiment Sites](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/worldsworstwebsitelol.md) - [Drug-Themed April Fool's Gags](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/innocean-berlin.md) - [April Fools Water Flavors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mlf-wtr.md) - [Empathic Emporium Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fml-store.md) - [STI Education Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lovehoney-and-tbd.md) - [Senior Safe Sex Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fcking-old.md) - [Refocused Technology Companies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/goto.md)