Don’t Speak Coupon? Now You Can! Coupon Lingo

Now that you’ve taken that first step to try to learn how to coupon, you’re probably finding lots of acronyms and abbreviations on different sites that make no sense at all!  By popular demand, here is a list of those that are the most commonly used.

Coupon Lingo List

$$/$$ – This means $ off when you spend $ amount. Example: $5/$30 is $5 off your purchase when you spend $30. (Check to see if the amount has to be before or after coupons to apply.)

$/# – This means that you get $ off for every # you buy. Example: $5/2 would mean that you get $5 off every 2 that you buy.

B1G1 = Buy One Get One Free (B1G2 is Buy One Get Two Free etc.)

Blinkie = A coupon that prints out at a machine in the store. They are located by the product associated with that particular coupon.

BOGO = Buy One Get One Free

Cash Register Tape = Your Receipt. Also referred to as CRT.

CAT = Catalina. A coupon that prints out at the register that is either $$ off your next purchase or $$ off a certain product.
Closeouts – These are typically greatly reduced items that the store does not plan on re-stocking.

Competitors – This is the term meaning “related chains.” For example, grocery stores will take other grocery store’s coupons and drug stores will take other drug store coupons. Always check with each store on what their couponing policy is and whom they consider to be a competitor.

Couponing Policy – This is the statement that each individual store abides by, in relation to coupons. What is typically included in their policy is whether they: take competitor’s coupons, take coupons past expiration dates, “double” or “triple” coupons, accept Internet Printables or if they even accept coupons.

Coupon Insert – These are “packets” of coupons found in Sunday papers and also sometimes in the ads mailed to you during the week. These are typically sent out by Smart Source (SS or S), Red Plum (RP) and Proctor & Gamble (PG).

Double Coupons = This is the term used when stores will double a coupon’s value.

ECB = Extra Care Bucks.  Exclusive to CVS. They work like cash on your next order with some restrictions.

EXP = Expiration Date

FAR = Free After Rebate

Inserts = These are packets of coupons found in Sunday papers and also sometimes in the ads mailed to you during the week. These are typically sent out by Smart Source (SS or S), Red Plum (RP) and Proctor & Gamble (PG).

Internet Printable = A coupon that can be printed online. Also referred to as IP or Printable.

IP = Internet Printable Coupon. Also referred to as “printable.”

IVC = Instant Value Coupon. These are found at Walgreens in their weekly ads.

MFR = Manufacturer

MIR = Mail In Rebate. These are checks or coupons that the manufacturers/stores will send you if you meet the requirements on the rebate form.

OOP = Out-of-Pocket. This is the amount of money that you have spent after coupons, ECBs, RRs, Catalinas (See terms for explanations)

OOS = Out-of-Stock. This means that the store is temporarily out of an item but plans on getting in more inventory. Sometimes they will offer a raincheck in cases like these.

OYNO = On Your Next Order. Used when referring to coupons that you can use on your next order at that store. (Sometimes Competitors will take them.)

OYNP = On Your Next Purchase. Used when referring to coupons that you can use on your next purchase (order) at that store. (Sometimes Competitors will take them.)

Peelie = Coupons found on products in the store. (Don’t forget to pull these off and hand them to your cashier when you check-out. Don’t rely on the cashier to notice them for you.)

PG = Proctor & Gamble. A big chain of brands that also puts out a coupon insert.

Q = Coupon

Raincheck = A slip you can ask for in the store when an item’s on sale and out-of-stock.

RP = Red Plum. This is a coupon insert that you’ll either find in your paper or the mail.

RR or Register Rewards = Exclusive to Walgreens. They work like cash on your next order. (Some restrictions do apply.) Also referred to as RRs.

S or SS = Smart Source. This is a big name coupon source. They not only send out inserts in the papers but they also have an online site with printables.

Stacking Coupons = This is the term used when stores will let you use their own store coupons along with a manufacturer’s coupon for the same item
UPC = Universal Bar Code. This is the bar code that’s scanned on products for pricing/info at the stores. Several companies will ask you to mail these in on rebates

WAGS = Abbreviation for Walgreen’s

WT = Wine Tag. These are coupons that you’ll find hanging on the wine bottles in the stores.

YMMV = Your Mileage (Manager) May Vary. This is what you’ll see when someone finds a deal but they want you to know that your store branch may not offer the same deal.

WYB = When You Buy

Did we miss any?  New ones come up all the time! I’d love to have your feedback to make sure we’re all working with the most complete list of abbreviations.  Thanks!