What Does AC/DC Stand For? The Surprising Story Behind the Band’s Electrifying Name

Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the band, many have wondered about the origin of AC/DC’s name. Is it simply the four letters put together? Does it make a word? Or does it stand for or represent something completely different? Now, with a Reddit recirculating about potential meanings behind the name, fans are excited to find out the real story. Keep reading to learn more about AC/DC’s name origin and why they were considered controversial.

Where did AC/DC get its name?

While AC/DC fans have been jamming to the band’s electrifying performances on such hits as “Thunderstruck,” “Highway to Hell” and “You Shook Me All Night Long,” many are unsure of the backstory behind the band’s name. The ‘70s band has been making headlines surrounding their recent tour announcement, and it’s now getting people talking about what those four letters really mean.

Angus Young and his brother Malcolm Young, the band’s founding members, were brainstorming ideas before a New Year’s Eve show at a nightclub when their sister-in-law Margaret suggested the name AC/DC. How did she get there? She got the inspiration from her sewing machine power adapter—or AC/DC, or alternating current direct current electricity. Interestingly, she was also behind the lightning bolt in the band’s logo. 

“Her sewing machine had AC/DC on the back of it,” Malcolm shared in a “Behind the Music” VH1 documentary. “We were tossing around names for weeks and she just said it one night and everyone went ‘That’s good.’”

“I thought it’s an easy name to remember and it was on the side of a lot of electrical appliances,” original singer Dave Evans said during a recent interview on the Podpokas Podcast.

What is an AC adapter?

According to Lenovo, “An AC adapter, also known as a power adapter or charger, is a device that converts alternating current (AC) from a wall outlet into direct current (DC) that can be used by electronic devices such as computers, laptops, and smartphones.”

Ultimately, the brothers agreed that the name would match their performances, so the band unanimously decided to call the group AC/DC.

AC/DC band name rumors

In a Reddit thread asking, “What does AC/DC actually stand for,” fans had all kinds of thoughts. 

The top response? That AC/DC is short for “Anti-Christ/Devil’s-Child.” Another person commented and said they heard it as “After Christ/Devils Come.” Other people were speculating that the lightning bolt represented Satan. 

‘Highway to Hell’ was also controversial

When released in 1979, “Highway to Hell” raised concerns among listeners due to its lyrics, which were perceived as satanic references. However, the song had an entirely different message.

“It was written about being on the bus on the road,” vocalist Brian Johnson explained to The Metro in 2009. “When the sun’s setting in the west and you’re driving across it, it is like a fireball. There is nothing to do, except have…a game of cards, so that’s where Bon came up with the lyrics.”

Another theory is that “Highway to Hell” is the nickname of the Canning Highway in Australia, where the band is from. The highway runs through Fremantle (where Bon Scott lived) and ends at a bar called The Raffles. As it ends, it steeply declines.