Attention: It Is Called ‘Law & Order: SVU,’ Not ‘Law & Order: SUV’

You people are disappointing Ice-T

Special Victims Unit, or SVU, is the title of a popular Law & Order spin-off that premiered in 1999. The show focuses on investigations by a segment of New York's police force that deals with sexually based offenses, including rape, child molestation, and stalking, among many others. Until recently it starred Christopher Meloni and Mariska Hargitay as Detectives Eliot Stabler and Olivia Benson, although Meloni left the show after its thirteenth season and has been replaced by actor Danny Pino. Additional members of the cast include rapper Ice-T and comedian Richard Belzer, who provide assistance in tracking down whichever pervert or creep happens to be on the loose at the time. The show is currently in its 14th season, and is very popular in syndication on cable networks like USA.

A sport utility vehicle, commonly referred to as an SUV, is a means of personal transportation described by Wikipedia as "a vehicle similar to a station wagon or estate car, usually equipped with four-wheel drive for on- or off-road ability." Popular examples of SUVs include the Ford Explorer, the Jeep Grand Cherokee, and the Cadillac Escalade. In appearance and functionality, SUVs resemble a cross between a truck and a multi-seat family vehicle like a minivan. While they were once incredibly popular (see, rap videos), their appeal has been dwindling over the past few years as concerns about their effect on the environment and the rising cost of gas has led many customers to move toward smaller, hybrid-style vehicles.

Despite these very clear differences, many people still confuse the two, typically referring to the former as the latter. To illustrate this point, I searched Twitter for some examples and have posted them on the following pages. I have also added some brief commentary under each in an attempt to clear up any confusion. I hope this helps.