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 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.

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. 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.

Woman shopping in produce section - 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. 
  • Catalina coupon aka CAT – A coupon or deal printed at the cash register after purchase.
  • CC – Competitor Coupon.
  • CRT – Cash register tape. Usually used when discussing CVS a 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.
  • FAR – Free after rebate.

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

  • GC – Gift Card
  • HBA – Health & Beauty Area
  • IP – Printable Internet Coupon
  • Inserts – Coupon packets that come in the Sunday Paper. 
  • ISO – In Search Of
  • MIR – Mail-in Rebate.
  • MFC, MC, or MQ – Manufacturer’s coupon. 
  • MM – Money Maker
  • NLA – No Longer Available
  • OOP – Out of Pocket Expense
  • OOS – Out of Stock
  • OTC – Over-the-counter
  • OYNO – On your next order
  • Overage – When your coupons are worth more than the cost of the item. 
  • Peelies – Sticker-like coupons that can be found on products in the store.
  • POP – Proof of Purchase.
  • PSA – Prices start at.
  • RC – Raincheck
  • Store Coupon (SQ) or In-Ad Coupon – A coupon the store provides.
  • UPC – Universal product code.
  • 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.

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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