Reference Guide: Popular Book Acronyms

New to the wild and wonderful world of Kindle Unlimited, BookTok, and Goodreads?  Not sure what to make of the acronyms? We’ve been there! Check out our ever-growing reference guide to get fluent fast.

• What does TBR mean?

  • To be read list

• What does ARC mean?

  • Advanced reader copy, a free copy of a new book given by a publisher or author to reviewers ahead of book release

• What does ALC mean?

  • Advanced listener copy, a free copy of a new audiobook given by a publisher or author to reviewers ahead of release

• What does KU mean?

  • Kindle Unlimited, a monthly membership from Amazon that grants readers access to borrow millions of digital copies of books and magazines without due dates

• What does MC mean?

  • Main character

• What does MMC mean?

  • Male main character

• What does FMC mean?

  • Female main character

• What does HEA mean?

  • Happily ever after

• What does DNF mean?

  • Did not finish

• What does RH mean?

  • Reverse harem romance, in a similar category to a why choose or polyamorous romance, where typically the main female character is involved in a romantic relationship with more than one character simultaneously

• What does CW or TW mean?

  • Content warning or trigger warning

• What does MM mean?

  • Male-male romance

• What does MMFM mean?

• Multiple partner romance with one female and three male characters, typically this style indicates a male-male relationship

• What does MMF mean?

  • Multiple partner romance with one female and two male characters, typically this style indicates no male-male relationship

• What does MFMM mean?

  • Multiple partner romance with one female and two male characters, typically this style indicates no male-male relationship

• What does FFM mean?

  • Multiple partner with one female and three male characters, typically this style indicates a female-female relationship

• What does FF mean?

  • Female-female or sapphic romance

• What does DP mean?

  • Double penetration, found in many reverse harem romances

• What does DVP mean?

  • Double vaginal penetration, found in many reverse harem romances

• What does STFUATTDLAGG mean?

  • Shut the f*ck up and take that dick like a good girl

• What does CNC mean?

  • Consensual non-consent, typically found in primal play Dark Romances

• What does BOB mean?

  • Battery operated boyfriend

• What does LI mean?

  • Love interest