Remember FZDZ? Sure you do. Freezing drizzle. So, what in the world is RIPTYDZ an acronym/anacronym/blend for? We already know the DZ, but what could RIPTY mean?
Nothing.
Try it this way instead: RIPTYDZ, which is roughly how their signage looks, but in beachy colours that don’t show well onscreen. It’s a beachfront restaurant in Myrtle Beach.
Fun, eh? OK, your mileage may vary, but at least it’s interesting how the brain parses language, especially for made-up words with custom-cute spelling. With the colour cue, the meaning is clear. Obvious, I dare say. Inevitable, maybe. You’d never read RIPTY and then wonder what to do with the DZ left over. But when I saw an interview with the RIPTYDZ MANAGER, TITLE ALL IN CAPS JUST LIKE THIS, that’s exactly what I did.
Like the oddball faces our brain sees/creates, once you see it, it’s hard to un-see it. I expect that’s why the text on their website presents it this way: RipTydz. Good for them. It’s a confusing world, with information coming at us a mile a minute. Throw us a bone here, folks.
Growing up on the Pacific coast, I knew immediately, altho back then I think flags were put out… but we certainly didn’t signage in “code” thanks to texting abbreviations which vintage minds like ours have to learn, or, ignore to our swimming peril. Swim sideways, BYW if caught in one.
Barbara – Yes, that makes sense. Living landlocked, I never think about riptides. Thx for the safety tip.
Isabel – but it catches attention for a restaurant so much faster than Rip Tides, or is that supposed to be hyphenated (Rip-tides), or is it all one word (Riptides)?
I are confused.
John – I’d be inclined to spell it as one word, which isn’t as nice on a sign. And you’re right: getting your attention is the entire point.