PC

UK: ˌpiːˈsiː | US: ˌpiːˈsiː

Definition

  1. n. 1. Personal Computer (an electronic device for individual use in processing data).

  2. n. 2. Politically Correct (conforming to socially accepted norms of language or behavior).

Structure
P <initial of "personal">C <initial of "computer">P <initial of "politically">C <initial of "correct">
Etymology

The term "PC" originated as an abbreviation in the mid-20th century. For "personal computer," it reflects the shift from large mainframes to individual-use machines (1970s). The "politically correct" usage emerged in the 1980s, critiquing or endorsing language sensitivity. Both meanings leverage initialism, a common English word-formation process for efficiency.

Examples

  1. She bought a new PC for her home office.

  2. The company upgraded all its employees' PCs last year.

  3. His remarks were not PC and offended many attendees.

  4. The debate focused on whether PC culture limits free speech.

  5. Early PCs like the IBM 5150 revolutionized computing.