See - even though I like the way you make the distinction, the history of the word "acronym" seem to support that pure initials (FBI) can be an acronym as well (?) (the tip of a name (?)).

It is a good point. I like that way of distinguishing it.
Do you know the etymology of "acronym"?

@ Hairy Scot.

I agree.
Though - can you mention a set of initials that are not an acronym (according to the definition given by Perfect Pedant). Just to enlighten me more about the
English language.

Nice - though that just stresses my point.

Initialism covers based on the definition you give a use of some acronyms (?). E.g. NATO is also an abbreviation formed from initial letters.

Mnemonics can use acronyms/initials as a technique to remember something. E.g. PV = nRT (Poste Vand "er lig" Ni Røde Tuborg (tap water equals nine red Tuborg)).

So though the definitions differ, the actual use overlap.

You disagree?

@ Perfect Pedant

I don't agree - but maybe you can convince me otherwise?
That is, by explaining the difference.

I think that initialism is a form of acronyms (?) and mnemonics like-wise can be a subgroup of acronyms.

I can be wrong - it happened before.

Really interesting points all you guys have on LEGO.
Just a small comment on a solid Danish brand from a dane. As a Dane I find it rather strange to see LEGO not in capital letters ("Lego"). But that is maybe because I know that it is a contraction of the two Danish words "Leg Godt" (play well). When written as "Lego" it looks like a word on its own, which it basically is - I know. But it is also a kind of acronym, right?

And just a fun-note on the plural debate; in Denmark the following would be normal to say:

"I bought my nephew some LEGO" or "My nephew is playing with a lot of LEGO"

("Jeg købte noget LEGO til min nevø" or "Min nevø leger med meget LEGO")

but when "we" are talking about the pieces them self, we refer to them as bricks, e.g.:

"My nephew lost five red bricks of his LEGO" (Not: "my nephew lost five red LEGO(s)")
(Min nevø misted fem røde klodser fra hans LEGO)

I know that English can adopt words in its own way, but just a fun-note to the discussion.