virgule
LowFormal/Technical
Definition
Meaning
A short diagonal line (/) used in writing and printing to separate items.
A punctuation mark also known as a forward slash or solidus, used to indicate alternatives, fractions, dates, abbreviations, or line breaks in poetry; also historically used as a comma in some contexts.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a technical term in typography and editorial contexts; in everyday speech, it's more commonly called a 'slash' or 'forward slash'. Its use to mean 'comma' is archaic.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The term is equally rare in both varieties, with 'slash' being the dominant everyday term.
Connotations
In both varieties, 'virgule' connotes specialist knowledge (e.g., publishing, academia). It sounds more precise and formal than 'slash'.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general usage in both the UK and US. Almost exclusively found in texts about typography, linguistics, or editorial style.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The term [virgule] is used [by editors].Replace the [comma] with a [virgule].A [virgule] separates the [options].Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for this word]”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Might appear in formal style guides for report writing (e.g., 'and/or').
Academic
Used in linguistics, philology, and typography papers to discuss punctuation.
Everyday
Virtually never used. The word 'slash' is universal.
Technical
The standard term in printing, typesetting, and professional editing.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- In the date 24/12, there is a little line between the numbers.
- You can write 'and/or' using a slash between the words.
- The editor asked me to replace the commas with virgules in the poetic transcription.
- In the facsimile edition, the Renaissance scribe's use of the virgule to denote a pause was meticulously preserved.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'VIRGIN' + 'RULE'. A 'virgin rule' in punctuation is the simple, pure slash mark (/) before you learn its fancy name, 'virgule'.
Conceptual Metaphor
A DIVIDER or SEPARATOR (physically splitting two elements on a page).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'виргуля' (a non-existent word). The Russian term is 'косая черта' or 'слэш'.
Common Mistakes
- Mispronouncing it as 'vir-gool' or 'vir-gyool'.
- Confusing it with a backslash (\\).
- Using it in everyday conversation where 'slash' is expected.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'virgule' most appropriately used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but it is the formal, technical term. 'Slash' is the common, everyday word.
No, unless you are writing for a specialist audience in publishing, typography, or linguistics. 'Slash' is perfectly acceptable in all other contexts.
A virgule (/) slopes forward or downward to the right. A backslash (\\) slopes in the opposite direction. They have different computing and typographical functions.
No, the usage is identical. It is a rare, technical term in both varieties.