octothorpe
C2technical/historical
Definition
Meaning
The symbol #.
The typographical character '#', also known as the hash, number sign, or pound sign.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term is primarily used in technical, historical, or etymological contexts, often to refer specifically to the symbol's name within telephony or computing history. In everyday language, it is far more commonly called 'hash', 'number sign', or 'hashtag'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The symbol itself is used identically. The term 'octothorpe' is equally rare and technical in both varieties.
Connotations
In both varieties, 'octothorpe' connotes specialist knowledge, often of telecommunications history or computing. It is not a term used in general conversation.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both. 'Hash' is dominant in UK computing/telephony; 'pound sign' or 'number sign' are common in US general use.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
referred to as an octothorpecalled an octothorpeknown as the octothorpeVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No established idioms. The symbol is used idiomatically in phrases like 'hashtag activism', but 'octothorpe' is not.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Virtually never used. 'Please dial the extension followed by the pound key.'
Academic
Only in historical linguistics, typography, or telecommunications history papers.
Everyday
Not used. 'Press the hash key to continue.'
Technical
The primary domain. 'The octothorpe was added to telephone keypads in the 1970s.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The symbol cannot be verbed.
American English
- The symbol cannot be verbed.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable.
American English
- Not applicable.
adjective
British English
- The octothorpe symbol is on the keypad.
American English
- The octothorpe key is on the lower right.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- On the phone, press the star key and then the hash key.
- The hashtag symbol, originally called an octothorpe, is central to social media.
- The etymology of 'octothorpe' is disputed, but it likely originated in 1960s Bell Labs terminology.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'octo' for eight points (the symbol has eight endpoints) and 'Thorpe' like a surname, making it a 'name' for the eight-pointed symbol.
Conceptual Metaphor
A FENCED FIELD (from its criss-cross lines resembling a field divided by fences).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не переводится. Русские аналоги: 'решётка', 'знак номера' ('#'). Термин 'октоторп' в русском не используется.
Common Mistakes
- Pronouncing it 'octo-thorp' (should be 'octo-thorp-e').
- Using it in everyday conversation instead of 'hash' or 'number sign'.
- Spelling it 'octothorp' or 'octatherp'.
Practice
Quiz
In which context are you MOST likely to encounter the word 'octothorpe'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The most credible origin is from Bell Labs in the 1960s, combining 'octo-' (for the eight points) and 'Thorpe', possibly in homage to athlete Jim Thorpe or as a nonsense surname.
The symbol (#) is the same. 'Hashtag' refers to the symbol *plus* a following word or phrase used on social media (e.g., #travel). 'Octothorpe' is just the name for the symbol itself.
No. It is a highly technical, historical term. Use 'hash', 'number sign', or 'pound sign' depending on your regional context and audience.
In British English: /ˈɒktəʊθɔːp/ (OCK-toh-thorp). In American English: /ˈɑːktoʊθɔːrp/ (AHK-toh-thorp).