Ever wonder what   ETC.   means?  This is an abbreviation for the Latin phrase et cetera.  Note that there is a period at the end.  In Latin,   et   means   and , and   cetera   means   the rest .  This term is abbreviated to etc. and means   and so forth . But you need to be careful about how to use etc.  For example:  Please bring caffeinated beverages like coffee, tea, water, etc. is incorrect.  Why?  Water is not a caffeinated beverage. Also,  etc.  is mostly used for informal writing, like to friends.  You are told not to use  etc.  for formal writing like research papers and resumes.  So what should you use?   and so on and the like along with others including  such as and so forth A further clarification.  You should not say:  The dinner was attended by my friends John, Mary, Taylor, etc.  Why?   Etc.  cannot be used when listing the names of people.  Instead, use  et al.  with the period only on the second word, standing for  and others . On this Friday I should end here and se