Top 25 Bookish Terms and Acronyms
Welcome back to our cozy corner of the internet, where we dive deep into the enchanting world of fantasy romance! If you're an avid reader or a budding bookworm, you’ve likely come across a myriad of acronyms that seem like a secret code only the initiated can decipher. Fear not, fellow romantasy lovers! We’re here to break down the essential bookish lingo so you can navigate the literary world like a pro!
When joining the bookish community, you’ll encounter some familiar acronyms and terms like POV (Point of View) and WIP (Work in Progress). But what about the more specific jargon unique to our literary circles? It can be quite a challenge to jump right in and understand everything. To help you get started, here’s a comprehensive (but nowhere near complete) guide to the acronyms and terms you need to know to fully immerse yourself in our community.
1. TBR: To Be Read
Every reader’s eternal struggle – the TBR pile. This is the ever-growing list of books you’ve promised yourself you’ll read. For many, the TBR is a teetering tower of tantalizing tales just waiting to be devoured.
2. DNF: Did Not Finish
Every reader has encountered a book that, for one reason or another, just didn’t click. DNFing a book isn’t a failure – it’s about acknowledging that not every story is for everyone and making time for the ones that truly captivate you.
3. Shelfie
A photo of your bookshelf or book collection, often shared on social media. Shelfies are a way to showcase your literary treasures and connect with fellow book lovers.
4. Blurb
A short description of a book, usually found on the back cover or online, designed to entice readers. Blurbs provide a snapshot of the plot and give you a sense of what to expect.
5. BBF/BGF: Book Boyfriend/Girlfriend
These terms refer to fictional characters that readers fall head-over-heels for. In fantasy romance, BBFs and BGFs often have qualities that are irresistibly charming, heroic, or endearingly flawed.
6. CR: Current Read
Simply put, this refers to the book a reader is currently enjoying. Sharing your CR can spark conversations and recommendations within the reading community.
7. RR: Reread
Revisiting a book you’ve already read. Rereading can provide new insights and rekindle your love for a story.
8. Buddy Read
A reading activity where two or more people agree to read the same book at the same time and discuss it. Buddy reads can make the reading experience more interactive and enjoyable.
9. RTC: Review to Come
Often seen in Goodreads reviews, this indicates that the reader plans to write a full review of the book later. It’s a placeholder for detailed thoughts and reactions.
10. TBB: To Be Bought
Similar to TBR, this refers to books you plan to purchase. It’s a wishlist of sorts for future reading material.
11. CW/TW: Content Warning/Trigger Warning
These warnings alert readers to potentially distressing content within a book, such as violence, abuse, or mental health issues. CW/TW help readers make informed choices about their reading material.
12. PNR: Paranormal Romance
A subgenre blending romance with supernatural elements, such as vampires, werewolves, witches, and other mystical beings. PNR stories often combine suspense, fantasy, and sizzling chemistry.
13. SFF: Science Fiction & Fantasy
An umbrella term encompassing genres that explore speculative and imaginative worlds. While SFF can be broad, within the context of romance, it usually features epic adventures, otherworldly settings, and love stories that defy the laws of reality.
14. BIPOC: Black, Indigenous, and People of Color
This acronym is used to highlight and discuss books by and about people from these marginalized groups. Emphasizing BIPOC authors and characters helps promote diversity and inclusion within the literary world.
15. YA: Young Adult
YA novels are targeted towards readers aged 12-18 but have broad appeal across age groups. These stories often explore themes of identity, first love, and self-discovery, set against imaginative and fantastical backdrops.
16. NA: New Adult
NA bridges the gap between YA and adult fiction, focusing on protagonists in their late teens to mid-twenties. Themes often include navigating the complexities of early adulthood, from college life to first jobs and more mature relationships.
21. MC: Main Character
The protagonist or central figure in the story. In fantasy romance, the MC might be a warrior princess, a brooding sorcerer, or a humble villager destined for greatness.
22. FMC/MMC: Female Main Character/Male Main Character
These acronyms specify the gender of the story’s protagonist, helping readers quickly identify the central characters.
23. TDH: Tall, Dark and Handsome
A common descriptor for a certain type of male character in romance novels. These characters are typically mysterious, brooding, and irresistibly attractive, often playing the role of the hero or love interest.
24. HEA: Happily Ever After
A staple in the romance genre, HEA ensures that after all the trials and tribulations, the characters find their way to a joyful and satisfying conclusion. For fantasy romance readers, HEAs might include defeating dark lords, breaking curses, or finally uniting two star-crossed lovers.
25. HFN: Happy For Now
An alternative to HEA, where the story ends on a positive note but leaves some future uncertainties. HFN endings are common in series where the characters' journeys continue in subsequent books.
FINALLY….
26. IIYKYK: If You Know, You Know
This phrase is used to reference shared knowledge or inside jokes within the community. If you understand the reference, you’re in the know!
We hope this guide helps you feel more at home in the fantastical world of bookish lingo. Whether you’re sharing your thoughts in a book club, penning a review, or chatting with fellow readers online, these acronyms will ensure you’re in the know. Happy reading, and may your TBR pile be ever exciting!
Do you have a favorite bookish acronym or term we missed? Share it in the comments below! And don't forget to tune in to our latest podcast episode where we discuss our top romantasy picks of the season.
