The term 'straight, for short' can be abbreviated in two ways: HETERO (6 letters) and HET (3 letters). HETERO is an abbreviation of the word heterosexual, which is used to describe a person who is attracted to people of the opposite sex. HET is an abbreviation of the word heteronormative, which is used to describe a set of beliefs that suggest heterosexuality is the only normal or natural sexual orientation.