August 5, 2009
All about the asterisk*
One of my favorite typographical symbols, the asterisk is used in printing or writing to indicate a footnote, an omission, or emphasis; it also has other less common uses.
The term asterisk comes from the Latin asteriscum, meaning “little star”—based on the character’s celestial shape.
Primary uses of the asterisk:
To indicate a footnote
(place the asterisk after something you what to clarify)
see this post’s title and footnote
To indicate an omission
Holy s**t!
To represent emphasis in plain text
(in lieu of bold or italics)
He is *really* smart.
To make a list
(use them as bullet points)
To-do list
* Write profile
* Update blog
* Lunch with client
To convey an action by the writer
(use them in informal communications, such as e-mails and blogs)
Don’t even get me started on creepy clowns … *shudder*
To represent a kiss
(as a computer emoticon)
:*
The asterisk is also used in computing, mathematics, and gaming.
*This post may not contain all there is to know about the asterisk.
Filed by rebecca at 7:30 pm under Grammar guide
Hey, I didn’t know about it representing a kiss!
Cute, right? (as far as emoticons go) ;*