AC/DC have been belting out hits for more than 50 years but some fans have only just realised the true meaning behind the band's name.

They're a global sensation, but surprisingly, some fans have only just realised the true meaning behind AC/DC's name, even after 51 years in the spotlight.

The Australian rock legends, founded by brothers Malcolm Young and Angus Young, feature a star-studded line-up with lead guitarist Angus, bassist Cliff Williams, drummer Phil Rudd, vocalist Brian Johnson, and rhythm guitarist Stevie Young, who is also Angus and Malcolm's nephew.

With a history that goes back to 1974, AC/DC has bagged 17 awards and received another 50 nominations at prestigious events like the Grammy Awards, ARIA Music Awards, iHeartRadio Music Awards, and MTV Video Music Awards (VMA). Yet strangely enough, there seems to be some confusion among their fanbase about their musical genre - some say it's hard rock, others argue it's heavy metal or blues rock.

AC/DC's Name: The Real Meaning

The band's hit list, featuring crowd-pleasers like You Shook Me All Night Long, Back in Black, Thunderstruck, Highway to Hell, It's a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock 'n' Roll), and Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap, clearly keeps the fans hooked.

However, one devoted fan had an epiphany while jamming to AC/DC, leading them to turn to Reddit for enlightenment, asking: "What does AC/DC actually stand for?" reports the Irish Star.

While some reckon AC/DC is short for 'Anti-Christ/Devil's Child', the real tale of its name is far less sinister. The rock band got its moniker when Malcolm and Angus were hunting for a catchy name, and their sister Margaret saw the letters AC/DC on her sewing machine's power adapter. It stands for alternating current/direct current electricity, which the siblings thought was a perfect match for their band's electrifying performances.

AC/DC: More Than Just a Name

But while fans in Ireland call them AC/DC, down under in Australia they're affectionately known as Acca Dacca. Fans have had their say on the name's origins, with one commenting: "I thought it meant Alternate/ Direct Current."

Another quipped: "Angus Can Dance Cool." And a third remarked: "It's a play on a theme, and a damned good one if you ask me."

The fact that it took some fans over 50 years to discover the true meaning of AC/DC's name is a testament to the band's enduring legacy. Their music transcends generations and has resonated with fans across the globe, regardless of their understanding of the band's name.

The Power of a Name

The band's name, though seemingly simple, perfectly encapsulates their electrifying sound. The alternating current/direct current electricity theme captures the energy and intensity of their live performances. AC/DC's music is a force of nature, just like electricity, and their name serves as a powerful reminder of this fact.

This revelation highlights the fascinating aspect of band names. While some are deliberately cryptic or symbolic, others are surprisingly straightforward, like AC/DC. In the end, the name itself becomes secondary to the music that it represents, and AC/DC's enduring popularity is a testament to the power of their music, regardless of the name's origin.

AC/DC's name, despite its simple meaning, has become iconic in the world of rock music. It serves as a reminder that sometimes the most powerful messages are the simplest ones.