Coupon Lingo

Posted on September 14, 2009

Deciphering the Secret Code of Couponing


With all of the abbreviations and acronyms, one might think that coupon lingo is written in a secret code, or at the very least, a foreign language.  Here’s a translation to understand the terminology.

SUNDAY NEWSPAPER INSERTS

RP = Red Plum

SS = Smart Source

P&G = Procter and Gamble

GM = General Mills

KG = Kelloggs

Types of Coupons

Blinkie = Coupon that you find in the coupon dispenser -usually has a blinking light

Hangtag = Coupon that is hanging from a tag around a bottle or jar

IP = Internet Printable Coupon

MFR or MQ= Manufacturer Coupon

Peelie = Coupon found on the package of a product that can be peeled off

WT = Winetag is a coupon found hanging from the neck of a wine bottle

Tearpad = Coupons that are on a tearpad usually next the store item

CAT = Catalina coupons print at check out from a machine next to the cash register. The Catalina coupon might be for money off your next purchase (i.e. save $5.00 off of a $50 purchase) or a coupon itself.  Catalinas are common at Albertsons, Winn Dixie and Walgreens (Registers Rewards print as Catalinas).  Note:  If you know you will have Catalinas, make sure you check out with a cashier and not the customer service desk as they don’t usually have a Catalina machine.


$1/3 = One dollar off three items.  (You will receive $1.00 markdown when you purchases 3 items.)

BOGO = Buy one Get one FREE

B1G1- Buy One Get One FREE

B2G1 = Buy Two Get One FREE


Stack- when you combine a store coupon with a manufacturer

RC = Rain Check.  Request a rain check when a store runs out of inventory on a sale item.  You will receive the sale price when the item becomes available. Watch the expiration date listed on the rain check.


CRT = Cash Register Tape (your receipt)

OOP = Out of Pocket. The amount you actually spend.

WYB = When you Buy

MIR = Mail In Rebate

FAR = Free After Rebate

UPC= bar code on package (often times you’ll need to send these with your mail in rebate forms)

OYNO = On Your Next Order

MM = Money Maker (you profit on the transaction)

Overage = Amount earned when a coupon amount is greater than the sale amount

CVS Coupon Lingo

ECB- Extra Care Bucks- $$$ to apply towards your next purchase.  Appears on the bottom of your receipt and records onto your CVS customer card.


Walgreens Coupon Lingo

WAGS = Walgreens

RR = Register Rewards. Catalina from Walgreens. Watch the expiration dates-these typically expire within a few weeks!

ESC = Walgreens EasySaver Catalog

ESR = Walgreens EasySaver Rebate

IVC = Instant Value Coupon @ Walgreens from the EasySaver Catalog and/or in the weekly ad.

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