Have you started “Extreme Realistic Couponing“, but feel as if it speaks a different language? Well, it does. Here is an easy Quick Reference guide to learn the abbreviations behind your favorite store match-ups.
Print off my Quick Reference Couponing Lingo and Abbreviation Guide and stick in your coupon binder.
Sunday Paper Inserts

  • SS:  Smart Source (weekly)
  • RP:  Red Plum (weekly)
  • P&G: Proctor & Gamble (monthly insert)
  • GM: General Mills (periodic)

Basic Coupon Abbreviations

  • BOGO:  Buy One, Get One Free
  • B1G2:  Buy One, Get Two Free
  • B2G1: Buy Two, Get One Free
  • $/$: Any example of money off purchase. For example:  $5/$30 ($5 off of a purchase of $30 or more)
  • $1/1: You will receive $1 off of just one item
  • $2/1:  Receive $2 off of one item
  • IP: Internet Printable Coupon
  • Q’s: slang for Coupons
  • Blinkie:  The Coupon Machine that spits out coupons in the grocery aisle. (You know the one where your child grabs 20, and considers it “helping.”
  • Peelie – Peel-off Coupons found right on the packaging
  • Catalina (also referred to as CAT):  This is a coupon that prints out after you check out at the register. Don’t assume that these are all junk. Sometimes they will  spontaneously give free product, alert you to upcoming deals, as well as money off of your next purchase. Most stores require you to use them at the store they were printed, but there are stores that still allow competitors coupons.
  • WYB: When You Buy
  • OOP: Out of Pocket
  • PSA: Prices Start At
  • Exp.: Expires, Expiration Date on coupon or deal
  • Rolling: Roll your store “cash” over to your next transaction
  • Overage: When a coupon is more than free, and will take additional $ off your final price.
  • Closeouts: Greatly reduced items that the store will no longer carry. Great time to pair coupons.
  • Stacking: When you pair or stack a manufacturer’s coupon with a specific store coupon. For example, a Smart Source coupon with a Target coupon. Not all stores allow this, so check store couponing policy.
  • Doubling: When stores double a manufacturer’s coupon value. For example. a $0.50 coupon doubles to $1.00
  • Fillers: Misc. Items you need to purchase to get to a coupon savings amount, especially when using the $$/$$.
  • ECBs:  Extra Care Bucks – This term will only be used when referencing CVS’s rewards system. It’s CVS “cash” that you earn to be used on anything in the store. It is attached to the end of your receipt, so do not throw that away.
  • RR: Register Rewards Walgreen’s reward system.
  • IVC: Walgreen’s Instant Value Coupon found in their monthly savings booklet
  • SCR: Single Check Rebate associated with Rite Aid’s Rewards Program
  • YMMV: Your Mileage May Vary

Print my Quick Reference Couponing Lingo and Abbreviation Guide here for a nice, clean copy