SPECTRE: why is the title of the new Bond film in capitals?

by: Anne O'Connell (27 October 2015)

Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock or your broadband is down, you’ve probably noticed that the latest James Bond film is released this week. It’s called SPECTRE. Not Spectre (it’s not about ghosts, is it?), SPECTRE. What’s with all the capital letters? STOP SHOUTING! Is a global marketing campaign not enough these days? No, the film makers aren’t shouting at us: SPECTRE is an acronym of Special Executive for Counter-intelligence, Terrorism, Revenge and Extortion. I’m glad they spared us that long-winded title – it wouldn’t have looked quite so swish on the side of a bus, would it?

But if it’s an acronym, why isn’t it S.P.E.C.T.R.E.? Well, that wouldn’t be wrong exactly, just a little clunky and old-fashioned. An example of style difference, rather than a rule of punctuation. When to use a capital letter? When is an abbreviation or acronym so common that it no longer needs defining? Let us proofreaders sort that out for you, so your written work is as stylish as it can be. A bit like Bond.

I’m going to see the film tonight. If it turns out that it IS about ghosts, I’ll let you know. No spoilers, mind.

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