The
Unusual History of the @ Symbol Have you ever wondered why we use the @ symbol in email addresses and social media handles? While it may seem like a modern invention, the @ symbol actually has a long and interesting history. The first known use of the @ symbol was in the 6th century, when it was used by Latin scribes to shorten the word "ad" (meaning "at" or "to"). The @ symbol was written as a lowercase "a" with a circle around it, and was used in manuscripts to indicate the location of a particular passage. In the centuries that followed, the @ symbol was used in various ways in different languages. In medieval Spain, it was used as a unit of measurement for weight. In Italian, it was used as a symbol for amphora, a type of container used for wine and olive oil. But it wasn't until the 1970s that the @ symbol gained its modern meaning as a symbol for email addresses. It was chosen by computer scientist Ray Tomlinson, who was working on a way to send messages between computers on different networks. Tomlinson needed a symbol that wasn't already used in computer programming, and the @ symbol was a logical choice because it wasn't commonly used in everyday language. Since then, the @ symbol has become a ubiquitous part of our digital communication. It is used not just in email addresses, but also in social media handles, where it has become a way to connect people across the globe. The @ symbol has even been used as a symbol of resistance and solidarity, as seen in the #MeToo and #BlackLivesMatter movements. What's more, the @ symbol is no longer limited to the traditional circle around an "a". In recent years, it has been creatively adapted by designers and artists, who have turned it into everything from a heart shape to a fish. In conclusion, the @ symbol may seem like a small and insignificant part of our everyday communication, but its history tells a much bigger story. From its origins in Latin manuscripts to its modern use in digital communication, the @ symbol has evolved and adapted to reflect the changing needs of our society. So next time you use the @ symbol, remember that you are also connecting to a long and fascinating history.