Is it ok to use the word snafu?

Don't use it. 'Nuff said.

 

It's a good headline word. Anybody asks, it's FU as in "fouled up."

 

FU then.

 

Context is everything. Quoted matter? Maybe. Writing for color? Possibly, but probably not. Writing straight? I wouldn't use it. Too many people still around who know what it's an acronym for, and it's not worth the hassle of dealing with the phone calls and letters inked with cramped handwriting.

While it's an accurate word, it's sort of lazy, and there are far more literate words that could be used in its place.

Give it another generation or so, and then use it 'til your heart's content.

Same principle also applies to "screwed" or "sucks" ... I wouldn't let either of those into print unless there's a really compelling reason.

 

Agreed. Unless it's a quote.

 

Would use it without hesitation. Has long ago gained generic meaning in and of itself

 

Was it this guy?

 

To be perfectly honest, at age 23 I had no idea that it ever was an acronym... that makes me feel quite young.

 

I know what it really means, but I also think it's morphed into its own word, and I don't have a problem with it anymore. I've worked with others who wouldn't allow it, though.

 

No, but not because of offensive language. It's cliche.

 

This business is snafu.