Hiv

[Mr Rayon]

Is it more correct to say the HIV or the HIV virus?

[iNow]

Ask yourself... What does HIV stand for? That should answer your question. Your second option is a bit like saying "ATM machine."

[Kyrisch]

The former is more correct; the latter is more colloquial and, truthfully, somewhat lexically clearer.

Edited June 2, 2009 by Kyrisch

[iNow]

If that's the case, why don't we call it the HI virus?

[Kyrisch]

If that's the case, why don't we call it the HI virus?

 

Because the ones responsible for propagating the meme, unfortunately, did not.