‘Emoji,’ ‘turducken,’ ‘HIPAA’ and more: AP style rules to remember

The newest version of the AP Stylebook is here, and savvy communicators should read up now to hone their copy.

The 2018 edition, which became available Wednesday, has roughly 200 new and updated entries. It also includes a chapter on polls and surveys, meant to guide journalists and other communicators to “report responsible on public opinion research heading in to the U.S. midterm elections.”

Here’s a look at several AP style guidelines that have been added or revised in its most recent edition:

Today/tomorrow

When writing a news story, it’s best to use the day of the week instead of the more confusing “today” or “tomorrow.” For example:

On Thursday, PR Daily published an article highlighting this year’s AP style revisions and added entries.

However, feel free to use the terms outside of news articles:

It's now OK to use "today" and "tonight" in uses other than news stories: “We're sharing lots of great tips in our #APStyleChat today.” But use day of the week in news stories.

— AP Stylebook (@APStylebook) May 30, 2018

Co-worker vs. coworking

Though AP style still hyphenates “co-worker,” drop the hyphen when referring to freelancers and remote employees sharing office space:

Our style is "coworking" to mean sharing workspace and amenities when people don’t actually work for the same company but instead are self-employed or remote workers. No hyphen. But: "co-worker" for a colleague within the same company. #APStyleChat

— AP Stylebook (@APStylebook) May 30, 2018

[RELATED: Distracted audiences? Mind-numbing topics? Cut through the clutter clear, creative corporate writing.]

Food

There is a cornucopia of new food entries in this year’s AP Stylebook:

New or revised food entries also include: ahi, amaro, chorizo, churros, gingersnap, gluten-free, grain bowl, India pale ale, Instant Pot, Kobe beef, locavore, matcha, multicooker, soba, superfoods, udon, vegan, za’atar. #APStyleChat

— AP Stylebook (@APStylebook) May 30, 2018

For those already looking forward to Thanksgiving, you might be pleased to find out that “turducken” is now included in the Stylebook:

We have a new entry for "turducken," a deboned chicken stuffed inside a deboned duck stuffed inside a deboned turkey. #APStyleChat

— AP Stylebook (@APStylebook) May 30, 2018

Also note the difference between “stuffing” and “dressing”—but you can revisit these rules in November.

Also with Thanksgiving in mind: A new entry notes that "dressing" is cooked outside of the bird; "stuffing" is cooked inside. Use of the terms also varies regionally in the U.S., with one preferred over the other in some places regardless of how it’s prepared. #APStyleChat

— AP Stylebook (@APStylebook) May 30, 2018

Race relations

When referencing people of different racial backgrounds in your writing, use terms to properly describe both individuals and groups of people, but be prepared to explain your subject’s background:

The terms “biracial” and “multiracial” are acceptable, when clearly relevant, to describe people with more than one racial heritage. Usually the terms are more useful when describing large, diverse groups of people rather than individuals. (1/3) #APStyleChat

— AP Stylebook (@APStylebook) May 30, 2018

Avoid “mixed-race,” which can carry negative connotations, unless a story subject prefers the term. Be specific if possible, and then use “biracial” for people of two heritages or “multiracial” for those of two or more on later references if needed. (2/3) #APStyleChat

— AP Stylebook (@APStylebook) May 30, 2018

Examples: “She has an African-American father and a white mother” instead of “She is biracial.” But: “The study of biracial people showed a split in support along gender lines.” (3/3) #APStyleChat

— AP Stylebook (@APStylebook) May 30, 2018

AP Stylebook warned that certain terms are best to be avoided:

While it is always inaccurate to call people under 18 “men” or “women” and people 18 and older “boys” or “girls,” be aware of nuances and unintentional implications. (1/2) #APStyleChat

— AP Stylebook (@APStylebook) May 30, 2018

Referring to black males of any age and in any context as “boys” can be perceived as demeaning and call to mind historical language used by some to address black men. Be specific about ages if possible, or refer to “black youths, child, teen” or similar. (2/2) #APStyleChat

— AP Stylebook (@APStylebook) May 30, 2018

Balance sensitivity with AP style

Writing about legislation surrounding pregnancy and abortion requires careful thought and precise wording. Here’s what AP Stylebook recommends:

With the terms “fetus,” “unborn baby” or “unborn child”: Write clearly and sensitively, using any of the terms when appropriate. (1/3) #APStyleChat

— AP Stylebook (@APStylebook) May 30, 2018

"Fetus," which refers to the stage from the eighth week of pregnancy to birth, is preferred in many cases, including scientific and medical uses: “The virus can be harmful to a fetus.” “The lawsuit alleges harm to a fetus that prosecutors say was viable.” (2/3) #APStyleChat

— AP Stylebook (@APStylebook) May 30, 2018

A story's context or tone can allow for "unborn baby" or "unborn child" in cases where "fetus" could seem clinical or cold: “She said her love for her unborn baby was the strongest feeling she had ever felt.” (3/3) #APStyleChat

— AP Stylebook (@APStylebook) May 30, 2018

Emoji and GIFs

The 2018 AP Stylebook also gives guidance for writing about content and culture on the internet (note the lowercase “i”), which is especially important given the rise of social media and how it affects both news cycles and reporting.

Use “emoji” when referring to single and plural instances:

We now use “emoji” for the plural, rather than “emojis.” (1/7) #APStyleChat

— AP Stylebook (@APStylebook) May 30, 2018

You can also include uses of emoji or GIFs in your copy by describing the visual symbols and images:

How you quote emoji or GIFs? Treat the visual material in emoji or GIFs as context or gestures when important to include. Describe them by paraphrasing. (2/7) #APStyleChat

— AP Stylebook (@APStylebook) May 30, 2018

For example: Chavis sparked a flurry of responses against the airline after tweeting a GIF of large crowds at the gate, with the message “#missinghoneymoon” and an emoji string of a worried smiley, a ring, an hourglass and an umbrella on a beach. (3/7) #APStyleChat

— AP Stylebook (@APStylebook) May 30, 2018

However, take care not to confuse readers when describing the emoji or GIFs used.

Be aware that some GIFs, emoji or other images may contain hidden meanings and nuances requiring consideration and more than just a simple description of the image posted. (4/7) #APStyleChat

— AP Stylebook (@APStylebook) May 30, 2018

Don’t use parentheses to describe an emoji within a direct quote, to avoid confusing readers by making it seem as if the person being quoted wrote out the description in text. (5/7) #APStyleChat

— AP Stylebook (@APStylebook) May 30, 2018

When possible—and as it fits your organization’s style guide—embed or link to social media posts, including those using emoji and GIFs. That way, readers can view the visuals in the full context. Many communicators use screenshots for tweets that have been or might be deleted.

Many story platforms support displaying posts as they actually appear, or hyperlinking to posts on social networks, giving journalists several options to let readers see material for themselves. (6/7) #APStyleChat

— AP Stylebook (@APStylebook) May 30, 2018

Also, most social networks allow for direct embedding of such material, and screen captures may also be acceptable if images are displayed in accordance with your newsroom’s visual standards. (7/7) #APStyleChat

— AP Stylebook (@APStylebook) May 30, 2018

2D, 3D and other tech terms

If you’re referencing a film you saw in 3D (perhaps for an article on what kind of “Avengers” character bestrepresents your PR personality), go without a hyphen. You also can start a sentence with “3D” or “2D”:

“3D” now has no hyphen. Same with “2D.” Both are acceptable on all references. #APStyleChat

— AP Stylebook (@APStylebook) May 30, 2018

Revised section of the numerals entry: A numeral-and-letter combination may start a sentence: “3D movies are drawing more fans.” That joins starting a sentence with the year as the only times when a numeral is OK at the beginning of a sentence. #APStyleChat

— AP Stylebook (@APStylebook) May 30, 2018

Additional technology terms, such as “homepage” and “smartwatch” are one word. However, AP Stylebook noted that “health care” is still two words:

We've changed our style to one word for “homepage.” We added “smartwatch” and “timeshare” as one word. But: “health care.” #APStyleChat

— AP Stylebook (@APStylebook) May 30, 2018

HIPAA, not HIPPA

Speaking of health care: If you’ve ever incorrectly used the acronym “HIPPA” when referring to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, you’re not alone. Many health care communicators have done the same—as AP Stylebook itself did in heralding the new edition.

It’s “HIPAA,” but you can avoid a mistake by using the entire name (even though it’s lengthy):

One more reason not to use the acronym HIPAA: You might incorrectly call it HIPPA, as we did in our email today announcing the launch of the 2018 Stylebook.
Where possible avoid using the term, an acronym for the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996.

— AP Stylebook (@APStylebook) May 30, 2018

Instead refer to privacy laws or the federal law restricting release of medical information. If HIPAA is used in a quote, explain it.
And it always pays to proofread everything one more time than you think you need.

— AP Stylebook (@APStylebook) May 30, 2018

Proofreading your copy is crucial, but remember: Even the most diligent writers and editors can make mistakes.

How did we end up with HIPPA instead of HIPAA in our note? We are asking ourselves that, too. When you look too hard and too often at the very thing you're trying to avoid, you tend to crash right into it. The entry itself is correct. Thanks to all who have noted the error.

— AP Stylebook (@APStylebook) May 30, 2018

What do you think of these recent AP style entries and revisions?

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