Best Guide For Coupon Definitions And Abbreviations

When you’re first learning the ropes of using coupons, it can seem like you’re learning a foreign language. Learn the Coupon Lingo. Check this guide to learn all the need-to-know coupon terms.

Coupon Lingo

Best Guide For Coupon Definitions And Abbreviations

This week there is a great deal for Ice Cream  B1G1. Your OOP will be $2. Oh did I mention, the CAT deal wyb 2, get $1 off OYNO. There may even be a MIR. but YMMV.  WHAT???

Couponing in itself is hard work.  If you don’t know the “language or couponing lingo” it can make it a little bit harder.  Just like starting a new job, you will have to learn all the new Acronyms and Terminology that come along with it. I know this can be a little overwhelming when you are just learning.

Couponing for me is a job in itself. Getting the best deals and savings can be found in your time prepping, and clipping those coupons. Nowadays, you can find a lot of coupons through smartphone apps. Paper coupons are going away and we are now seeing more digital coupons.

The best way to learn the coupon lingo is to start using it. It’s fun and takes up a lot less space. The best news of all, it is very easy to learn and you can bookmark this page for future reference as well. Here is a list that I have compiled with the most frequently used acronyms and phrases.  Hope this helps and if you still need help don’t forget to ask your store manager.

Let’s Learn the Lingo!

Books with coupon overlay "Coupon Lingo"
  • AC – After Coupon
  • Blinkies – In-store coupons courtesy of SmartSource that you can pull from a flashing machine next to the product being sold
  • BOGO or B1G1 – Buy one, get one.  Many stores regularly offer specials where you buy one product and get the next one free or half off.  As a result, these deals can be a couponing gold mine if you can match them with the manufacturer’s coupons.
  • Bricks – Refers to a certain internet printable coupon that can be printed twice. The word “bricks” will be in the web address. Once you print, you can hit the back arrow on your browser and refresh to print your second coupon. Some bricks coupons are available by mail.
  • Bump – To comment or reply on a thread or post in order to move it to the top of the social group or forum.
  • Circle (Was previously Cartwheel) – Target Discounts in the form of % off certain items. This can be used via a Smartphone app or printing the list and barcode on paper. This can be used at Target stores as a discount in addition to both a manufacturer coupon and a store coupon. The % is calculated on the item price less any Target coupon but before the price is discounted by the manufacturer coupon.
Woman shopping in grocery store with child - coupon lingo

The more you know, the easier it will get. Keep reading for more coupon lingo.

  • Catalina coupon aka CAT – A coupon or deal printed at the cash register after purchase.  These coupons are triggered by purchasing specific combinations of items and can be used on a future transaction or shopping trip. 
  • CC – Competitor Coupon. It is a store coupon that can be used in another store. For example; I could take a Joann’s Store coupon and use it at Michael’s Craft Store. AKA as credit card as well. Just be careful when the reference.
  • Circular – A store’s weekly ads, typically available both in-store and in the newspaper. Many stores send their circulars out on Sunday, although some of my local grocery stores have new ones on Monday.  You can also receive the paper on Saturday by buying the year edition Sunday paper.
  • CRT – Cash register tape. Usually used when discussing CVS coupons that print with receipt
  • CS – Customer Service
  • DB – Double Coupons. This means that the face value of any paper manufacture coupon will be doubled unless otherwise stated. Like DND (does not double)
  • DQ or DG – Digital Coupon
  • Ea – Each
  • ECB – Extra Care Bucks (CVS Store) Check out coupons for Store Credit. Used as cash only at CVS.
  • ETS – Excludes Trial Size
  • EXP – Expires
  • FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions. Simply put, these are the questions and answers to clarify details of a policy or program, etc
  • FAR – Free after rebate.
Woman shopping in produce section - coupon lingo

Couponing can save you lots of money. Start slow, so you don’t get overwhelmed.

  • GC – Gift Card
  • HBA – Health & Beauty Area
  • IE – Internet Explorer – Web Browser
  • IP – Printable Internet Coupon
  • Inserts – Coupon packets that come in the Sunday Paper.  The most common inserts are SmartSource and Redplum, which typically come every Sunday, and the P&G, which usually arrives around the first of the month.
  • ISO – In Search Of – Chat lingo usually used in comments regarding something that person is looking for (coupons, deals)
  • Matchups – Deals that combine both a store sale and coupons to get the best price.  By checking the circulars for great deals pair them with coupons to get an even better deal. In addition, you can visit here for your store’s weekly matchups
  • MIR – Mail-in Rebate.
  • MFC, MC, or MQ – Manufacturer’s coupon.  These are coupons that are provided by (and paid for) the manufacturer.  Most internet coupons and insert coupons are manufacturer’s coupons. It is important to note if you have a manufacturer or store coupons because some stores allow you to use one of each on the same item.
  • MM – Money Maker
  • NLA – No Longer Available
  • OOP – Out of Pocket Expense
  • OOS – Out of Stock
  • OTC – Over the counter, referring to medication products sold in the store with no prescription needed
  • OYNO – On your next order
  • Overage – When your coupons are worth more than the cost of the item.  Each store has a different policy for overages.  Many will apply that balance to other items you purchase. However, some stores are starting to eliminate this practice.  This allows you to use your savings to purchase items like products and meat, where coupons are harder to come by. In conclusion, the only store that I know of that continues to use overage is Walmart.
  • Peelies – Sticker-like coupons that can be found on products in the store.
Woman shopping in meat section

Every penny does add up. Even the smallest coupon amount of savings helps.

  • Printable Coupons – Online coupons that you can print and use. Common sources of printable coupons include Coupons.com, RedPlum.com, and Smartsouce.com.  
  • POP – Proof of Purchase.
  • PSA – Prices start at.
  • RC – Raincheck – signed slip from store allowing an item to be purchased at sale prices in the future when the item is no longer on sale. They are received from the store when the particular sale item is sold out at the time of your visit.
  • RR  – Register Rewards. Check out coupons for Store Credit.  Therefore, can only used as cash at Walgreens or WAGS.
  • Stacking Coupons or Stack – Using multiple coupons on the same item(s). See the Couponing Resources Page to learn more.
  • Stockpile – The combined items or storage area for large quantities of extra stock. The storage area of items purchased through the process of couponing.
  • Store Coupon (SQ) or In-Ad Coupon – A coupon provided by the store, typically in their circular.  These coupons will not be reimbursed by the manufacturer. They are paid for by the store.
  • Tear Pad – A pad of refund forms or coupons hanging on a shelf at the store.
  • UPC – Universal product code, the barcode on the product. As an example; We must scan for Ibotta rebate cash.
  • WAGS – Another acronym for Walgreen.
  • WYB – When you Buy. This phrase;  ”get $1 off product “B” wyb product “A” is a good example. 
  • YMMV – “Your Mileage May Vary” or in other words, it may work differently in your situation or be different in your experience.

If you are a new couponer, you might enjoy reading our “Best Coupon Resources Page“, or just start clicking around the site to see what kind of deals we have to help you save some money!

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