alt.

English

Etymology

(prefix): The alt.* hierarchy was one of the largest sections of the online discussion system Usenet. In contrast to the "mainstream" hierarchies, such as comp.* which related specifically to computing, alt.* was the "alternative" hierarchy where opinions were shared on a wide range of miscellaneous subjects.

Adjective

alt.

1. Abbreviation of alternative.

Prefix

alt.

1. (Should we delete⁽⁺⁾ this sense?) Indicates a newsgroup, as used in fictional or hypothetical newsgroup names.
   • 1999, "Weird Al" Yankovic (lyrics and music), “It's All About the Pentiums”, in Sean Combs (music), Running with Scissors:

     You've got your own newsgroup, alt.total-loser.

   • 1999 December 21, Christiana, “Scripts available anywhere?”, in alt.fan.eddie-izzard‎^[1] (Usenet):

     I was trying to say...Danny boy left the room during your hat sentence. He's gone back to alt.elitist.impatient-arrogant-farts-with-nsoh

   • 2001 October 15, Rev. J. Thaddius, “The War Against Dissent (Simon Haupt)”, in alt.anarchism‎^[2] (Usenet):

     If you're only interested in a socialist love-in, perhaps you should go to alt.bliss.ninnies?

Further reading

• alt.* hierarchy on Wikipedia.Wikipedia

Anagrams

• ATL, Atl., LAT, LTA, Lat., TLA, Tal, lat, lat.