Random Thought: Abbreviations and city names

STRATFORD, NJ, USA

I’m watching the Euro 2008 final on TV.

Why is it that ABC/ESPN is abbreviating “Spain” as “ESP,” but abbreviating Germany as “GER”?

It seems to me like they should pick a standard and stick to it–either abbreviate both in their native languages, or abbreviate both in English.

“GER vs SPA” or “DEU vs ESP.”

But then again, NBC referred to the host city of the last Winter Olympics as “Torino,” instead of using the English city name, “Turin.” This, even though they referred to the host city of the previous Summer Games using the English name, “Athens,” instead of the the Greek “Athina.”

I don’t mean to be pedantic, but I get annoyed when professional media doesn’t have a consistent style.  It’s a pet peeve.

Since I’m talking about international sports tournaments, I might as well point out here that I think the new Youth Olympic Games are a terrible idea.  But that could be a post in its own right.

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One Response

  1. Long live Two Scoops!!!!!

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