The World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) decided to change their current abbreviation because it is similar to an expletive. (Image : Yonhap)
SEOUL, Dec.29 (Korea Bizwire) – The World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) decided to change their current abbreviation because it is similar to an expletive.
According to the British Journal ‘Independent’, Hoss Rafaty, head of WTF will shorten their abbreviation to ‘WT (World Taekwondo)’ and use it in related businesses and marketing.
WTF is better known to the public as an abbreviation for ‘What the Fuck’, and is often used in text messages or social media to express one’s astonishment or displeasure.
The Sports site ‘Inside the Games’ introduced the change as one of the 5 plans to promote Taekwondo worldwide, and not to get the name of the organization confused with the well known coarse expression.
The federation held a special board of directors meeting located in Mexico City in the beginning of the month and decided to change the abbreviation of the organization. The new name was applied during the World Taekwondo Grand Prix and World Taekwondo Championships.
Although the abbreviation has been changed, Independent reported that the federation has no current plans to change the official name of their organization.
Other organizations have changed abbreviations prior to the World Taekwondo Federation. The International Rugby Board (IRB) and the International Sailing Federation (ISF) have changed their abbreviations into ‘WR (World Rugby)’ and ‘WS (World Sailing)’.
By Francine Jung (francine.jung@kobizmedia.co.kr)
