Where does the symbol “@” come from?
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There is a fascinating genesis tale behind the sign “@”. Here is a quick synopsis of its origins:
Ancient origins: According to some academics, monks first used the symbol in the sixth or seventh century as a shorthand for the Latin word “ad,” which meant “at,” “to,” or “towards.”
Use in commerce: The “@” symbol first used in commercial situations during the Middle Ages. Merchants would frequently use it to display pricing, as “5 items @ $1 each.”
Typewriters: The introduction of typewriters in the late 19th
The “@” symbol, commonly known as the “at sign,” has a long and varied history. Here are some key points about its origins and evolution:
Medieval Manuscripts: The “@” symbol is believed to have originated in medieval manuscripts. Scribes used it as a shorthand for the Latin word “ad,” meaning “at” or “toward.” This helped save time and space when copying texts by hand.
Commercial Use: By the 19th century, the “@” symbol was used in commercial documents to denote “at the rate of.” For example, “5 items @ $1” would mean 5 items at the rate of $1 each. This usage became common in trade and accounting.
Typewriters and Keyboards: The inclusion of the “@” symbol on typewriters in the 19th and early 20th centuries further cemented its role in business and commercial correspondence. It was included on early typewriter keyboards due to its utility in accounting and invoicing.
Email Revolution: The symbol gained global prominence with the advent of email in the 1970s. Ray Tomlinson, a computer engineer, is credited with using the “@” symbol to designate email addresses in 1971. He chose it because it was not commonly used in names and made logical sense to separate the user’s name from the host computer.
Modern Usage: Today, the “@” symbol is ubiquitous in email addresses and social media handles. It serves as a crucial element in digital communication, identifying specific users or accounts.
The “@” symbol, commonly known as the “at sign,” has a long and varied history. Here are some key points about its origins and evolution:
Medieval Manuscripts: The “@” symbol is believed to have originated in medieval manuscripts. Scribes used it as a shorthand for the Latin word “ad,” meaning “at” or “toward.” This helped save time and space when copying texts by hand.
Commercial Use: By the 19th century, the “@” symbol was used in commercial documents to denote “at the rate of.” For example, “5 items @ $1” would mean 5 items at the rate of $1 each. This usage became common in trade and accounting.
Typewriters and Keyboards: The inclusion of the “@” symbol on typewriters in the 19th and early 20th centuries further cemented its role in business and commercial correspondence. It was included on early typewriter keyboards due to its utility in accounting and invoicing.
Email Revolution: The symbol gained global prominence with the advent of email in the 1970s. Ray Tomlinson, a computer engineer, is credited with using the “@” symbol to designate email addresses in 1971. He chose it because it was not commonly used in names and made logical sense to separate the user’s name from the host computer.
Modern Usage: Today, the “@” symbol is ubiquitous in email addresses and social media handles. It serves as a crucial element in digital communication, identifying specific users or accounts.
The “@” symbol, commonly known as the “at sign,” has a long and varied history. Here are some key points about its origins and evolution:
Medieval Manuscripts: The “@” symbol is believed to have originated in medieval manuscripts. Scribes used it as a shorthand for the Latin word “ad,” meaning “at” or “toward.” This helped save time and space when copying texts by hand.
Commercial Use: By the 19th century, the “@” symbol was used in commercial documents to denote “at the rate of.” For example, “5 items @ $1” would mean 5 items at the rate of $1 each. This usage became common in trade and accounting.
Typewriters and Keyboards: The inclusion of the “@” symbol on typewriters in the 19th and early 20th centuries further cemented its role in business and commercial correspondence. It was included on early typewriter keyboards due to its utility in accounting and invoicing.
Email Revolution: The symbol gained global prominence with the advent of email in the 1970s. Ray Tomlinson, a computer engineer, is credited with using the “@” symbol to designate email addresses in 1971. He chose it because it was not commonly used in names and made logical sense to separate the user’s name from the host computer.
Modern Usage: Today, the “@” symbol is ubiquitous in email addresses and social media handles. It serves as a crucial element in digital communication, identifying specific users or accounts.