Scp

/ɛs si pi/ noun

Definition

Secure Copy Protocol, a network protocol for securely transferring files between computers. Also refers to the SCP Foundation, a fictional collaborative writing project about anomalous objects.

Etymology

Acronym formed from 'Secure Copy Protocol', developed in the 1990s as part of the SSH (Secure Shell) suite. The protocol name follows standard computing conventions of descriptive acronyms for technical specifications.

Kelly Says

SCP demonstrates how technical acronyms can take on completely different cultural meanings - while IT professionals use scp to transfer files securely, internet communities know SCP as creepy fictional entities that 'Secure, Contain, Protect' supernatural anomalies. Same letters, vastly different worlds!

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