hash key
B1Technical/Informal
Definition
Meaning
The # symbol on a telephone keypad or computer keyboard.
In computing, a character (#) used for various functions such as denoting metadata tags (hashtags) in social media, comments in certain programming languages, or as a modifier key symbol.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often used interchangeably with 'pound sign' (US) or 'number sign' in non-technical contexts. In UK English, 'hash' is the more common term for the symbol #, whereas 'pound sign' refers to the currency symbol £.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, '# symbol' is almost exclusively called the 'hash key/sign'. In the US, the same symbol is also widely known as the 'pound sign' or 'number sign' (e.g., #5).
Connotations
In British English, 'pound sign' refers only to £. Using 'pound sign' for # can cause confusion.
Frequency
'Hash key' is significantly more frequent in UK English. In US English, 'pound key' is common, especially in telephony contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
Press/use/tap + the + hash keyEnter + number + followed by + the hash keySymbol/button/key + called + the hash keyVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Usage
Context Usage
Business
"To confirm your selection, please press the hash key." (Automated phone systems)
Academic
"The hash symbol's usage has evolved from a simple number sign to a metadata tag."
Everyday
"Don't forget to type the hash key before your hashtag on Twitter."
Technical
"In the configuration file, comments are prefixed with a hash key."
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My phone has a star key and a hash key.
- The password needs a hash key at the end.
- Please enter your PIN followed by the hash key.
- On social media, you start a hashtag with the hash key.
- The automated system requires you to press the hash key to proceed to the next menu.
- In Python, a hash key at the beginning of a line denotes a comment.
- The proliferation of the hash key as a metadata tagging tool has fundamentally altered online information retrieval.
- Telephony protocols often use the hash key as a delimiter or function modifier.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'hash' like 'hashtag' – it's the key you press to make a #tag.
Conceptual Metaphor
A GATEWAY (key) to organising or tagging digital information (hash).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate as 'ключ хеша' (hash function key).
- Avoid calling it 'решетка' (grid) in a telephony context; it's understood but not standard.
- The US term 'pound key' refers to weight/money, not to the Russian 'фунт'.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing the UK 'hash key' (#) with the 'pound sign' (£).
- Using 'hashtag key' instead of 'hash key' (the key makes the tag).
- Pronouncing 'hash' like the food 'hash browns' (/hæʃ/ not /hɑːʃ/).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would a British English speaker be most likely to use the term 'hash key'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The 'hash key' is the physical # symbol on a keypad. A 'hashtag' is a word or phrase preceded by the # symbol, used on social media.
Historically, the symbol # was used as an abbreviation for 'pound' (weight) in US commerce (e.g., 5# of sugar). This usage carried over to telephony.
Yes, 'number sign' is a correct and neutral synonym (e.g., 'Please dial #5'). However, in IT and telephony contexts, 'hash key' (UK) or 'pound key' (US) are more specific.
The most likely origin is a alteration of 'hatch', referring to cross-hatching (parallel lines crossing), which the symbol resembles. It was popularised in computing.