If an identifier is the name of a defined variable, then it yields the variable value. Otherwise, the identifier name is used as a literal string. For example:
s = abc // same as s = "abc" if abc is not defined
..or..
abc = Hello
s = abc // same as s = "Hello" (if Hello is not defined!)
s = "abc" // s equals "abc"
If the strictvars mode is enabled, then identifiers must be the names of defined variables, and the identifier name will never be used as a literal string.
To avoid unintentionally using the name of variable as a literal value, you should get into the habit of declaring your variables with the var statement. Or, you can use the strictvars statement to require variable declarations. See: strictvars Mode.