Do You Speak "Coupon Lingo?"

Have you ever been reading our blog, see an abbreviation and thought "What in the world are they talking about?" Well don't worry, because at Southern Bargain Living, WE HAVE YOU COVERED!!! It is a long list, but don't worry, before  you know it, Coupon Lingo will be your second language!

• AC - After Coupon - Generally refers to the price after the coupon is deducted)
• AR - After Rebate - Generally refers to the price after the rebate is deducted)
• Blinkies - Blinkies (Smart Source Coupon Machines) are small red dispensers that blink in order to attract shoppers. They contain coupons and are usually located on store shelves in front of the promoted product. The coupons can be used in any store which accepts coupons. That means if you find a blinkie at Albertsons you can use it at Kroger, WalMart or any other store that accepts manufacturer's coupons. The "take one, leave one" coupon boxes often attached to shelves also fits under this catergory.
• BOGO, B1G1 - Buy One Get One. If all you see is BOGO, it generally means if you buy one item, then you get one (usually the same item) for free. But it is also used to promote other "Buy One" promotions, such as BOGO1/2P - which means, if you buy one you will get the second one at half price.
• B1G1F - Always means, Buy One Get One Free.
• BTFE - Box Tops for Education (School reward program)
• CATALINA or CAT - These coupons printed separately from the grocery store receipt although they are printed on receipt-like paper and handed to the customer. If the coupon says "manufacture coupon" it can be used anywhere manufacture coupons can be used. 
  Tip: Because of the type of paper CAT coupons are printed on, it is best to use them as soon as possible. They tend to self destruct.
• CLFE - Campbell's Labels for Education (School reward program
• CPN - Coupon
• CRT - Cash Register Tape
• DND - Do not Double
• DOUBLE COUPON - Value of the coupon can be doubled. Often times grocery stores will have days where the value of a coupon is doubled. For example, if you had a coupon for dog food for .50 cents off, on a double coupon day the coupon would be redeemed for $1.00 off or double of face value of the coupon. Some stores like Winn Dixie and Publix (unless in Florida) double .50 every day.
• EB/ECB - ExtraCare Bucks you can use at CVS/pharmacy only.
• ETA - Edited to Add
• EXP - Expires
• FAR - Free After Rebate
• GC - Gift Card, Gift Certificate
• GDA - Good Deal Alert
• GM - General Mills (Coupon Insert you will find in the Sunday Papers. These seem to come out every month or so.)
• HBA - The health and beauty aid section in the grocery store.
• HDA - Hot Deal Alert
• IP, IPQ - Internet Printable Coupon
• MFR - Manufacturer or Manufacturer's Coupon
• MIR - Mail in Rebate
• OOP - Out of Pocket
• OOS - Out of Stock
• OYNO - On Your Next Order
• P&G - Proctor & Gamble
• Peelie - Peelies are coupons attached directly to the product. Tip: Remove the coupon stickers from the item and hand it to the cashier when you check out. Generally cashiers will not deduct the price unless you hand them the peelie coupon. It is common coupon courtesy (and just plain manners) to ONLY peel the coupon IF you are buying that product! Please do not take the peelie if you have no intentions of buying the item.
• PSA - Prices Starting At
• Q - Coupon
• RC - Raincheck
• RP - Red Plum Sunday Coupons
• RR - Register Rewards (Walgreens)
• SS - Smart Source coupons insert found in the Sunday newspaper. 
• STACKING - Using more a store coupon with a manufacture coupon on the same item. 
• TEAR PAD, TP - Tear Pads are pads with coupons or rebate forms attached and are usually located on the shelf or displayed near the advertised product. The coupons/rebates can be used in any store that accepts manufacturer's coupons.
• TRIPLE COUPON - a coupon that a grocery store triples in value. Although this is rare, some stores like Harris Teeter actually have days or sometimes weeks, where coupons are tripled. If you live near one of these stores, please know the coupon policy before you go. Often, the tripled coupon offers have coupon and/or product limits.  
• UPC - Universal Product Code
• WYB - When You Buy
• .

Examples:

• Dog Food - $1/2 Q (10/22 SS) - This would mean there is a coupon for dog food for $1.00 off of the purchase of two cans and the coupon can be found in the October 22 issue of Smart Source coupons.
• Ketchup - B1G1F IPQ EXP 11/30 - This would mean that there is a "Buy One Get One Free" internet printable coupon which expires on 11/30.

The best way to learn the coupon lingo is to start using it. It's fun and it takes up a lot less space. Once you get used to using it you will be using it yourself!!