Fans of legendary rock band AC/DC are only just discovering what the iconic name actually stands for, more than five decades after the group was formed. The Australian band, founded by brothers Malcolm and Angus Young in 1973, has long been a staple of the rock scene, but the origin of their name has remained a mystery to many.
The revelation came after a fan took to Reddit to ask: "What does AC/DC actually stand for?" While some speculated it meant 'Anti-Christ/Devil's Child', the true story is far less sinister. According to the band's history, when Malcolm and Angus were brainstorming names, their sister Margaret pointed out the symbol 'AC/DC' on the AC adapter of her sewing machine. The abbreviation stands for alternating current/direct current electricity, which the brothers felt symbolised their band's 'raw energy'.
Since their debut in 1974, AC/DC have won 17 awards and received 50 nominations, including Grammys and ARIA Music Awards. Their current line-up includes lead guitarist Angus Young, bassist Cliff Williams, drummer Phil Rudd, lead vocalist Brian Johnson, and rhythm guitarist Stevie Young. Despite their success, some fans still debate their music style, with descriptions ranging from hard rock to heavy metal and blues rock.
Popular songs such as 'Back in Black', 'Highway to Hell', and 'Thunderstruck' have cemented their legacy. In Australia, the band is colloquially known as 'Acca Dacca'. Reacting to the name's true meaning, one Reddit user commented: "I thought it meant Alternate/Direct Current," while another joked: "Angus Can Dance Cool."
