Couponing 101: Coupon Lingo

If you're a newbie to couponing, you might wonder what all the abbreviations mean.  Reading "coupon-ese"  can probably seem like Greek, but once you know the lingo, you can figure out what in the world we are actually saying when we list the deals and coupon match-ups.

Here is the run-down on some of the common couponing abbreviations and terms:

RRs = Register Rewards

These are paper slips that print out with or after your receipt at Walgreens.  You earn them by purchasing specific items from that week's sale circular.  Register Rewards can be used like cash off your next purchase, and they have an expiration date like coupons do, so use them or lose them!

EBs or ECBs =  Extra Bucks

These are like the Register Rewards, but are from CVS.  CVS prints Extra Bucks when you buy specific items and use your Extra Care Card (free to get one in any CVS store).  Like Register Rewards, EBs can be used like cash off your next purchase and also have an expiration date.  These used to be called Extra Care Bucks, so some couponers still use the ECBs abbreviation.


SS = Smart Source insert
One of the coupon inserts in the Sunday newspaper

RP = Red Plum insert

One of the coupon inserts in the Sunday newspaper

PG or P&G = Procter and Gamble

Monthly (or more often) insert in the Sunday newspaper that features only Procter and Gamble brands

wyb = when you buy

abbreviation commonly used in coupon deals
Example:  Earn $3.00 in EBs wyb 2 Pampers

$1/2 = $1.00 off 2

You must buy 2 of the item to use this type of coupon 

BOGO = Buy One, Get One

B1G1 = another way to write Buy One, Get One

FF or (FF) = Firefox

IE or (IE) = Internet Explorer
Some coupons are browser-specific, so at times I will list the FF and IE links so you can click on the one for your browser.  Read more about Bricks  (browser specific) coupons and how to change their codes for your browser HERE.


stacking coupons = basically this is when you can double dip and can use a manufacturer coupon with a store coupon to get great savings on an item

printable = an internet printable coupon

Most of the time you are permitted to print 2 of each coupon per computer.