Who / What
Underscore refers to the typographic symbol of a line drawn under a segment of text. Historically, it served as a proofreading convention instructing printers to set the underscored text in italics. While less common now for emphasis in finished documents, it remains a recognized typographic element.
Background & History
The underscore's origins are rooted in proofreading practices of the printing industry. It emerged as a standardized mark to communicate specific typesetting instructions to printers, particularly regarding italicization. Historically prevalent in manuscript and typescript preparation, its use evolved with the advent of modern printing techniques. Over time, it transitioned from a purely technical instruction to sometimes being employed for emphasis in published materials, though this practice is now generally discouraged.
Why Notable
The underscore holds significance as a typographic convention deeply embedded in publishing and editing history. It served as a crucial communication tool between authors/editors and printers for decades. While its use for emphasis has declined, it remains a recognizable symbol with established meaning within the field of typography.
In the News
While not currently a major news topic, underscores remain relevant in digital communication. They are frequently used in programming languages as a character and in text messaging to denote emphasis or separation. Its historical significance continues to be acknowledged in discussions surrounding typography and publishing practices.
