From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

RAS syndrome stands for redundant acronym syndrome syndrome and refers to the redundant use of one or more of the words that make up an acronym or initialism with the abbreviation itself, thus in effect repeating one or more words. Usage commentators consider such redundant acronyms poor style and an error to be avoided in writing, though they are common in speech.

The term "RAS syndrome" is itself a redundant acronym, and thus is an example of self-referential humor.
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The term "RAS syndrome" was coined in 2001 by the New Scientist magazine.

The similar term "PNS syndrome" (which expands to "PIN number syndrome syndrome," and further to "personal identification number number syndrome syndrome") was coined by Usenet users, and in fact pre-dates the coining of "RAS Syndrome".