Q: Does couponing have its own language? I’m trying to figure out this whole world of couponing. However, I feel like I’m reading a different language. Help! Please translate.
A: I remember when I first started couponing — the learning curve was huge. Not only was I trying to completely change the way I shopped, but it felt like I was trying to learn a whole new language.
BOGOs? Blinkies? Peelies? IP? RP? It all ran together, and it might as well have been written in Greek.
But I learned fast, and I want to help you learn even faster. I’ve put together a quick guide to couponing lingo. The good news is that the lingo is pretty universal, meaning once you’ve got it, you’ve got it.
The basics:
Blinkie: A small blinking box that dispenses coupons right on the shelf.
Tear pad: Small pad of coupons often found on special displays, freezer doors or shelves.
CAT or Catalina: Coupons that print from a special machine at the checkout stand. These offers are often triggered by the type or amount of items you purchase.
IP or printable: Coupon that is printed from the Internet.
Peelie: A coupon placed directly on a specific product. The name comes from the fact that you must peel off the coupon to use it.
Hangtag: This type of coupon hangs directly from the neck of a bottled product.
Insert: The coupon inserts you find in your Sunday newspaper.
PG or P&G: Procter and Gamble Sunday newspaper insert.
RP: Red Plum Sunday newspaper insert.
SS: Smart Source. It can refer to a Sunday newspaper insert, blinkie or printable.
B1G1 or BOGO: Buy one, get one free.
$/$$: A specific dollar amount you will receive off of a total dollar amount.
Other terms:
DND: Do not double.
Double coupon: A coupon that a grocery store doubles in value depending on policy.
FAR: Free after rebate.
MIR: Mail-in rebate.
MM: Money maker.
MFG, MQ or Manny Q: Manufacturer coupon.
NED: No expiration date.
OOP: Out of pocket.
OOS: Out of stock.
Overage: This applies when the cost of an item is less than the coupon value.
OYNO: On your next order.
Rebate: Mail-in offer by a manufacturer or store that issues a refund based on predetermined criteria.
RC: Rain check -- a piece of paper that guarantees the sale price of an out-of-stock item.
WSL: While supplies last.
WYB: When you buy.
YMMV: Your mileage may vary.
For more tips on saving money, go to time2saveworkshops.com.
