# AKA

/ˈɑkə/ (US) · /ˈækɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/aka
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. introducing an alias or nickname

preposition · CEFR B2 · Informal

Stands for Also Known As. You use this before a person's nickname or a second name they are famous for.

For teachers: 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.

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.

### 2. introducing an explanation

adverb · CEFR C1 · Informal · Humorous

You use this to explain something in a different way or to give a simpler name for a complex idea.

For teachers: 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.

Teaching tip: In this sense, it is often used with a touch of irony or sarcasm to 'translate' corporate jargon into plain English.

## Examples

- This is Shawn, aka 'The Shark'.
- The suspect, aka 'Gentle Jim', was finally arrested after a long investigation by the local police.
- The document refers to the protagonist by his legal name, though he is better known to the public by his stage name, aka 'The Midnight Poet'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.