Couponing for Beginners: The Lingo

By popular demand, I have compiled a comprehensive list of acronyms most commonly used in the "coupon community." For all you out there who don't know an RR from an ECB, or OOP from WYB, this one's for you! If you get stumped by an acronym on (or not on) this list, leave a comment below, and I will clue you in as best I can. I will continue to update this list as new terms become more frequently used or relevant.

$/#- Refers to the value of a coupon. For example, $1/2 means the coupon will take off $1 if you buy two eligible products. On a B1G1 deal at Publix, you can use two $/1 Qs (one per item, even though you don't technically buy the free item), OR one $/2 Q.

$/$$- Refers to a type of coupon which takes a certain amount off of your entire bill once it reaches a certain subtotal. Whether the necessary minimum amount ($$) is calculated before or after coupons is up to the discretion of the individual store or coupon. (Ex: $5/20 Wags Q = $5 off my order once my bill reaches $20)

B1G1/BOGO- Buy one, get one free

Blinkie- Type of coupon that is distributed one at a time out of an electronic dispenser, located near relevant products in-store. These Qs usually have a longer exp. date than those from the Sunday paper or a peelie. The electronic dispensers usually blink, thus the name--blinkies.

ECB- Extra Care Bucks: CVS in-store coupons printed out WYB certain products listed in their ad. These in-store dollars usually have an expiration date of one month from the date printed and can be used on anything except alcohol, tobacco, prescription, and any other purchases prohibited in the fine print.

Exp- Expires/Expiration (date)

FQ/FP- Food Lion Coupon/ Food Lion Printable

GC- Gift Card

IP- Internet Printable (coupon)

MIR- Mail in Rebate

MQ- Manufacturer Coupon: Type of coupon for which store are reimbursed the face value, plus 8 cents.

OOP- Out of pocket: this refers to the actual amount of cash needed to make the purchase. This amount is not affected by any coupons or GC that may have been issued after the actual amount paid out of pocket.

Peelie- Type of coupon found on a product in-store. You have to peel it off to use it immediately.

Q- Coupon

RR- Register Reward: Walgreens in-store coupon printed out WYB certain products listed in their ad. These in-store dollars usually have an expiration date ranging from 1 to 2 weeks from the date printed and can be used on anything except alcohol, tobacco, prescription, and any other purchase prohibited in the fine print.

TQ/TP- Target Coupon/ Target Printable (coupon)

Tear Pad- Type of coupon peeled off a pad of identical coupons. These are most often located in-store, on a cardboard display that showcases relevant products and have an exp. date farther out than those from the Sunday paper.

WYB- When you buy

Wags- Walgreens


Did I miss one? Still unclear about a term? Leave your comment below!