Common Coupon Lingo

While searching for coupon matchups online, you will come across a lot of abbreviations and unfamiliar terms that will make you think you are trying to read a secret code. Let me teach you how to decipher the code!

$1.00/1: one dollar off one product

BOGO: buy one, get one (free, 50% off, etc.)

B1G1: buy one, get one (free, 50% off, etc.)

CAT: catalina

CRT: cash register tape

DND: do not double

ECB: Extra Care Buck CVS rewards program

EXP: expiration date

GC: gift card

IP: internet printed coupon

ISO: in search of, when referring to trading coupons

IVC: instant value coupon

MFC: manufacturer's coupon

MIR: mail in rebate

MM: money maker, coupon value greater than price of item

NLA: no longer available

OOP: out of pocket

OYNO: on your next order (spend $10, save $5 ONYO)

P&G: Proctor and Gamble insert

PM: private message, when referring to trading on facebook

PM: price match

PSA: prices starting at

Q: coupon (Qpon, Qpin, etc)

RR: Register Rewards Walgreens rewards program

RP: Redplum insert

SCR: Single Check Rebate Rite Aid monthly rewards program

SS: Smart Source insert

UFT: up for trade

UPC: universal product code

UPR: UP+ reward Rite Aid rewards program

WAGS: Walgreens

WALLY: Walmart

WYB: when you buy ($1.00 each WYB 2)

YMMV: your milage may vary, meaning shopping experiences may differ

Blinkie: Manufacturer coupons dispensed by machines located in grocery isles. Reedemable at any store.

Catalina Catalina machines are located near the register and print out long, receipt-like coupons (may be Manufacturer or In-store) that may be used on future purchases.

Coupon Insert: Coupon circulars that are inserted into Sunday newspapers; some common inserts are SmartSource (SS), Redplum (RP), and Proctor&Gamble (PG).

Doubling: Some stores will participate in double coupon promotions, which will allow your coupon to be worth twice the value. There are usually limits in coupon value and quantity during doubling. If you present a $.50 coupon, it will be worth $1.00.

eCoupons: Electronic coupons that are downloaded to your store loyalty/rewards card or directly to your cell phone.

Handling Fee: Dollar amount (usually $0.08) paid by the manufacturer to reimburse the store for the trouble of accepting a coupon. Essentially, stores make more money by accepting coupons.

One Coupon per Purchase: You may use one coupon per purchase of each specified item. It means that you can not use two identical Manufacturer coupons per item.

One Coupon per Transaction/Shopping Trip: You may only use one identical coupon per transaction/shopping trip. Some stores will allow you to do seperate transactions.

Peelie: Adhesive Manufacturer coupons that are attached to products. Read the coupon to find out if it can be used on a different type/size of the product.

Purchase-Based Coupon: Coupons that specify a dollar amount off a future purchase, such as $5 off $15 ($5/$15). These can be combined with In-Store and Manufacturer coupons to maximize savings.

Raincheck: A slip of paper declaring you the sale price of an item after a sale has ended. These are usually issued if an item is out of stock. Some may have expiration dates or quantity limitations.

Rebate: A refund, sponsored by the store or Manufacturer, for part or all of the amount you paid for an item.

Rolling Catalinas: Seperating your purchase into multiple transactions in order to use register catalina coupons from your first transaction to pay for your second transaction. Most of the time, the same product catalina can't be used to pay for the second, as it will cancel out the next print.

Stacking: Using two different coupons to maximize your savings, such as by combining a Manufacturer coupon with an In-Store coupon at Walgreens, Target, CVS, etc.

Stockpile: When you buy multiple items at rock-bottom prices so that you don't have to pay full price later. Many couponers create a storage of these items called a stockpile.

Store Loyalty/Rewards Card: A club card presented at checkout for additional savings; free to sign up.

Tear Pad: A stack of Manufacturer coupons found near products in store isles. Reedemable at any store.