The word "slash" can be spelled in two different ways – with a single "s" or with a double "s". Both spellings have the same pronunciation, which is /slæʃ/. The International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) phonetic transcription shows that the word begins with the "s" sound, followed by the "l" sound, and ends with the "sh" sound. The spelling of "slash" can be confusing, but it is important to use the correct spelling in order to effectively communicate in writing.
Slash can function as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, slash refers to a mark ("/") used in writing or printing to separate words, phrases, or lines. It is commonly utilized to denote a choice or connection between two or more alternatives. Furthermore, it often represents the word "per" in measurements, such as "miles per hour." The slash has also gained significance in the realm of technology and the internet, where it is employed to separate elements in web addresses, URL paths, or denote division in computer programming.
As a verb, slash primarily signifies to cut or strike with a violent, sweeping motion, often resulting in a significant gash or wound. It can describe the action of slicing with a sharp object, such as a knife or sword, causing a linear or diagonal cut. Additionally, slash can denote the act of drastically reducing or decreasing something, such as prices, budgets, or amounts. In a figurative sense, it can be applied to describe vigorously criticizing or attacking something or someone verbally.
The term "slash" can also be linked to a specific style or subgenre of fanfiction literature involving romantic or sexual relationships between characters of the same sex. It originated from the use of a forward slash ("/") to indicate pairings in fanfiction titles, such as "Harry/Draco."
In summary, "slash" serves as a noun referring to a dividing mark or a verb associated with cutting or reducing. It can additionally convey the idea of striking with force, criticizing, or denote a specific type of fanfiction.
• To cut by striking violently at random; to strike at random with a sword or other edged instrument.
• A cut made at random with a sword or knife and suchlike; a long cut.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "slash" has different etymological origins depending on its context. Here are the main ones:
1. As a noun meaning a diagonal line (/), especially when used to separate words or indicate options in computing or text:
- etymonline.com suggests that this usage of "slash" originated in the 1960s from computer programming jargon, referring to a line used to separate separate commands on one line. The term is derived from the Middle English word "slaschen" meaning "to slash" or "to cut violently".
- Another theory suggests that the term "slash" was inspired by the word "virgule", which is a typographical equivalent of the same symbol. "Virgule" is derived from the Latin word "virgula" meaning "a little twig" or "a small rod".