What does the acronym AWOL mean?

JellyBaker, it's either depending on which version of English. The "absent without leave" dates back to British Army use in the 1800s, the American version is much newer. Both are right in their own context.

Deborah , 20yrs in USAF. AWOL, has always meant Absent WithOut Leave.

It actually stands for "Absent Without Official Leave." AWOL.

i thought it was 'Absent Without Official Leave'.

mali kayo

I'm awol right now hahaha... awol from my kids

away without leave is a common version of the acronym. either away or absent should be good. both are correct.

I was taught that AWOL stood for Away WithOut Leave.