Etymology

grid

G2R1I1D2

Today it means: A rectangular array of squares or rectangles of equal size, such as in a crossword puzzle. Full definition →

First used Used in the early 1980s.
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The story

Back-formation or clipping of griddle or gridiron.

First known use, by meaning

  • Used in the early 1980s. Acronym of gay-related immunodeficiency (“AIDS”).

Etymology from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.