Shorter Wedding Dances? YMCA Shrinks Nickname to ‘Y’

For the first time in 43 years, the Chicago-based non-profit is changing its brand.

The AP reports that the Young Men’s Christian Association is adjusting both its logo and official name to “the Y.” The move was reportedly motivated by research which indicated that few people understood the group’s true mission, which is centered on a three-prong philosophy of “youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.”

While the new name is a national addendum, local branches will still call themselves YMCAs, with the transition expected to be fully completed within the next five years.

An outside question: what was the Village People’s reaction to the trimming of their trademark song? TMZ’s report has the group vowing to continue using four letters during its live shows.