I've been using the MS product for quite some time (and Oracle and others before then), and I've always intentionally spelled it out when I say it (S-Q-L). The reason was/is simple to me: Sequel *was* a product at one point. To call SQL "sequel" is to imply that I'm talking about an actual product and not a structured query language. :-) Yes, so Sequel is a dead product... the principle still applies. ;-) BTW, do you say "asp net" or spell out "A-S-P dot net"?