octothorp is the proper name for the hashtag pound symbol

“Octothorp” is the Proper Name for #, the Hashtag/Pound Symbol

The symbol #, also commonly referred to as the “hashtag” or “pound symbol,” has become an integral part of our digital language. However, you might be surprised to learn that it actually has a proper name: octothorp. Yes, octothorp is the lesser-known moniker for the symbol that has gained immense popularity in recent years. In this article, we will explore the origins and significance of this fascinating symbol known as the octothorp.

Origins of the Octothorp

While the exact origins of the term “octothorp” are debated, one prevailing theory traces it back to the Bell Telephone Laboratories in the late 1960s. The symbol was used in early telephony systems to indicate an extension number or a specific location within a phone company’s switchboard system. The name “octothorp” allegedly originated from combining the word “octo,” denoting the eight points on the symbol, with “thorp,” a reference to the village name in Thorp, Wisconsin, where the telephone company’s president had a summer home.

The Evolving Role of the Octothorp

In the past few decades, the octothorp has undergone a remarkable transformation. Its most significant rise to fame started with the advent of social media platforms, particularly Twitter. Twitter introduced the concept of using the octothorp as a hashtag to categorize and link conversations on the platform. As a result, the use of hashtags exploded, becoming a powerful tool for organizing, exploring, and promoting content across various social media channels.

Today, hashtags are not only limited to Twitter but have become ubiquitous across multiple platforms, including Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and even offline spaces. They have become an essential aspect of digital communication, enabling users to navigate through millions of posts and find relevant content quickly. Hashtags have also become an integral part of marketing strategies, campaigns, and social movements, helping to increase visibility and create online communities around specific topics.

Recognition by the Oxford English Dictionary

The significance of the octothorp is further validated by its inclusion in prestigious linguistic authorities like the Oxford English Dictionary. In 2014, the Oxford English Dictionary officially recognized “hashtag” as a word, adding it as an entry to its extensive collection. This recognition solidified the cultural impact of the octothorp in modern communication and cemented its place in the English language.

In conclusion, while the commonly used terms “hashtag” and “pound symbol” accurately describe the symbol #, it is essential to acknowledge its proper name: octothorp. Understanding the origins and evolution of this symbol provides us with valuable insight into how language and communication adapt in the digital age. So, the next time you use a hashtag, remember the octothorp and its journey from telephony systems to becoming an integral part of our online conversations.

Source: Time.com - The Official Name for the Hashtag? Octothorp