TikTok is renowned for being a hub of useful hacks, intriguing narratives, and amusing videos, but it also serves as a platform for gaining knowledge.
A noteworthy educational video on TikTok explores the meaning behind the acronym CVS, associated with the well-known drugstore chain, CVS Pharmacy. The chain was established in Lowell, Massachusetts, and currently operates from its headquarters in Woonsocket, Rhode Island.
By the end of 2022, CVS had become the largest pharmacy chain in the United States based on the number of locations, boasting 9,674 stores nationwide. However, when the company was inaugurated on May 8, 1963, it originally bore a different, more extended name—one that has largely faded from public memory.
Initially, CVS Pharmacy was launched under the name Consumer Value Store.
However, in 1964, just a year after its inception, the name was abbreviated to CVS. Today, this is the familiar name by which the pharmacy is generally known.
TikToker Nisa (@nisipisa) brought this surprising fact to light in a video, where she casually mentioned to her audience: “I got this dry mouth spray from ‘Consumer Value Stores’, and the experience of using it is kind of, like, someone who’s in the middle of chewing gum is spitting into your mouth.”
This revelation sparked a wave of humorous comments. One puzzled viewer inquired: “Consumer Value Stores ?!!?” A shocked commenter stated: “She did not deadname cvs.”
Another user humorously observed: “The casual use of CVS’ government name.” Meanwhile, someone else commented: “The government name was so unnecessary but so funny.”
Another TikTok user noted: “And today was the day I found out what CVS actually stood for…”
Interestingly, the discovery even surprised former CVS Pharmacy employees, with one remarking: “Wait I worked at CVS and I had no idea it was actually an acronym.”
CVS is not the only store with an acronym that surprises consumers. Another example is the famous M&M candy.
Though a popular snack choice, the tiny round chocolates have left many wondering what the acronym represents. Created in 1941, M&M’s stands for ‘Mars’ and ‘Murrie’.
Mars and Murrie are the founders of the chocolate company, with Mars referring to Forrest E. Mars Sr., and Murrie to Bruce Murrie from the US chocolate brand.
This illustrates the notion that learning something new can happen every day.