When/why did Britain become more commonly known as "the UK" rather than "Great Britain"

by cake_flattener1

I've noticed lately that the UK acronym seems to be relatively recent and you don't see it much in older/historical works. Even the long form (United Kingdom) seems much rarer than "Great Britain" which you rarely hear nowadays. When and why did this change come about? Was there some sort of rebranding exercise in the post war period?

ReggieJ

Great Britain and the United Kingdom don't refer to the same thing. Great Britain encompasses England, Wales and Scotland. As to what the UK refers to -- well the clue is in the name which is United Kingdom of Great Britain AND Northern Ireland.