The Rice University Neologisms Database

Pictures taken with a camera Apparent meaning, etymology, and type of word formation: “Pics” refers to pictures taken with a camera, formed by clipping the word “picture” to the single syllable “pic” and the plural forming inflection “-s.” “Picture” comes from the Latin pictûra ‘painting,’ originating from pict-, the past participle stem of pingĕre, meaning ‘to paint.’ This original meaning has been extended through metaphor, as the picture captured on a camera is similar to a very realistic painting. As often occurs in language, words are shortened so they are more easy to pronounce, and/or (most likely in this case) more easy to type and read. Possible reason used: The word “pics” has shown up on the internet frequently as a shortened form of picture because it is faster to type fewer letters, and most likely Channel 11 wanted to appear internet savvy to its viewers. In addition, the shorter word is more direct and easy to read for television viewers, who are already mentally exhausted with worry over the fate of their property during the hurricane.