Word
AKA
Phoneticsaka
US/ˈɑkə/
UK/ˈækɐ/
Definitions
01introducing an alias or nickname
prep. Stands for Also Known As. You use this before a person's nickname or a second name they are famous for.
prep. Abbreviation for Also Known As. Used to introduce a pseudonym, stage name, or alternative identity.
“This is Stefani Germanotta, aka Lady Gaga.”
“The suspect was identified as James Miller, aka 'The Ghost', a name he earned for his ability to evade police detection for over a decade.”
Informal
Usage
Usually written in capital letters, though 'a.k.a.' and 'aka' are also common in informal writing.
Teaching tip
While technically an initialism (pronounced A-K-A), it is frequently used in casual speech and digital communication to link two identities.
Synonyms
02introducing an explanation
adv. You use this to explain something in a different way or to give a simpler name for a complex idea.
adv. Used as a transition to introduce a clarification, synonym, or simplified explanation of a preceding term.
“We need to improve our 'human capital', aka we need to train our staff better.”
“The company is focusing on 'synergistic integration', aka making sure the different departments actually talk to each other.”
Informal · Humorous
Teaching tip
In this sense, it is often used with a touch of irony or sarcasm to 'translate' corporate jargon into plain English.
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“Paul [Reubens, AKA Pee-wee Herman] and I became friends.” “My item is … a 10-piece All-Clad copper-core cookware set (AKA the Cadillac of cookware sets).” Scan code
englishreference.com/q/aka