The word "infotip" is spelled with the prefix "info-" meaning "information" and the suffix "-tip" meaning "a helpful hint or suggestion." The IPA transcription is /ˈɪn.fəʊ.tɪp/. The first syllable "in" is pronounced with a short "i" sound, the second syllable "fo" has a long "o" sound, and the final syllable "tip" is pronounced with a short "i" sound and a silent "p." The stress is on the second syllable. An infotip can be a useful piece of information displayed in a tooltip or pop-up window on a computer screen.
Infotip is a term coined by combining the words "information" and "tooltip". It refers to a small, contextual pop-up message or window that appears on a computer screen or user interface when the user hovers or clicks on a specific element, such as an icon, button, or hyperlink.
An infotip aims to provide additional information, tips, or guidance to the user about the element they are interacting with. It often appears as a brief text box or bubble containing relevant details that enhance the user's understanding or usage of the element.
Infotips are commonly used in software applications, websites, and various digital interfaces to improve user experience and provide helpful information without overwhelming the user interface. They can offer explanations of icons or symbols, provide descriptions of features, present instructions on how to use certain functionality, or share additional details about a specific item or link.
The content of an infotip is usually concise and focused, designed to provide quick and easily digestible information to the user. It may include text, images, hyperlinks, or simple animations, depending on the context and complexity of the information being conveyed.
Infotips are particularly useful in guiding users through unfamiliar or complex interfaces, reducing the need to navigate away from the current screen or consult extensive documentation. They serve as a form of interactive and on-demand help, enabling users to access relevant information at their convenience, leading to improved comprehension and efficient interaction with the digital system or application.
The term "infotip" is a combination of two words, "info" and "tip", both of which have distinct etymologies:
1. "Info" is short for "information", and it originated from the Latin word "informatio", meaning "concept" or "idea". In the late 19th century, "info" started being used as an abbreviation for "information", transitioning to its modern use in the mid-20th century during the technological boom.
2. "Tip" has a different etymology. It originated from the Old English word "tippian", meaning "to tap" or "to strike lightly". Over time, the meaning of "tip" evolved to include information or guidance shared as a helpful suggestion.