What Does the Band Acronym AC/DC Stand For?

The band acronym AC/DC actually stands for Alternating Current/Direct Current. There have been a number of different assumptions and theories set forth regarding any and all possible meanings behind the name of the rock and roll band AC/DC.

Some people have stated that the band’s name has a sinister meaning, or that the letters have satanic roots or symbolism. People have theorized that the band acronym AC/DC might stand for things such as “Anti-Christ/Devil’s Child,” or even that the acronym stands for “After Christ, the Devil Comes,” or “All Children are Devil’s Children.”

The fact of the matter is, the band chose the name because of the type of music they play: loud, high-energy, electric-powered rock and roll, along with the actual meaning for the term AC/DC. 

How the Name Was Chosen and What it Means

Guitarist Angus Young got the idea for the band name from his sister, after she read aloud the tag on their mother’s sewing machine. The term AC/DC in the electrical world means “alternating current/direct current.” The acronym AC/DC is thus used to connote that, no matter what energy source the machine is plugged into, it will perform to its utmost potential.

Angus felt the term, and what it represented, fit the band well, given the fact they play powerful, energy-impacted music. Thus, the acronym AC/DC came to stand for the band AC/DC as well as this electrical lingo.