Not suitable/safe for work (NSFW) is Internet slang or
shorthand. Shorthand is an abbreviated symbolic writing method that increases
speed and brevity of writing as compared to a normal method of writing a
language. The process of writing in shorthand is called stenography, from the
Greek stenos (narrow) and graphē or graphie (writing). It has also been called
brachygraphy, from Greek brachys (short) and tachygraphy, from Greek tachys
(swift, speedy), depending on whether compression or speed of writing is the
goal.
Many forms of shorthand exist. A typical shorthand system
provides symbols or abbreviations for words and common phrases, which can allow
someone well trained in the system to write as quickly as people speak.
Abbreviation methods are alphabet-based and use different abbreviating
approaches. Several autocomplete programs, standalone or integrated in text
editors, based on word lists, also include a shorthand function for often used
phrases.
Shorthand was used more widely in the past, before the
invention of recording and dictation machines. Shorthand was considered an essential
part of secretarial training as well as being useful for journalists. Although
the primary use of shorthand has been to record oral dictation or discourse,
some systems are used for compact expression. For example, health-care
professionals may use shorthand notes in medical charts and correspondence.
Shorthand notes are typically temporary, intended either for immediate use or
for later transcription to longhand, although longer term uses do exist,
diaries (like that of the famous Samuel Pepys) being a common example.
