GNU Emacs Lisp Reference Manual

32.1: Setting Up Abbrev Mode

Abbrev mode is a minor mode controlled by the value of the variable abbrev-mode.

Variable: abbrev-mode

A non-nil value of this variable turns on the automatic expansion of abbrevs when their abbreviations are inserted into a buffer. If the value is nil, abbrevs may be defined, but they are not expanded automatically.

This variable automatically becomes local when set in any fashion.

Variable: default-abbrev-mode

This is the value of abbrev-mode for buffers that do not override it. This is the same as (default-value 'abbrev-mode).