Why is * called an asterisk?

So you know how sometimes you see a little star symbol in text or on a keyboard? That little star shape is called an asterisk.

Why is * called an asterisk?

The word “asterisk” comes from the Greek word “asteriskos” which means “little star.”

Indeed, the * symbol looks like a cute little star that helps to make the text look fancier and more special! Oh, wait a second.. does it only used to make the text eye-catching?

The asterisk is not only used to make text look more attractive, but it also has a variety of other uses.

For example, it can be used to indicate a footnote or a reference or to censor a word in a piece of text.

Additionally, in programming and computer science, the asterisk is often used as a wildcard character, which can be used to represent any other character or characters in a string of text.

So as you can see, the asterisk is a very versatile symbol that can be used for many different things.

In this blog post, you can learn more about the asterisk symbol!

Table of Contents

The term “asterisk” comes from the Greek word “asteriskos” which means “little star”.

The symbol is named “asterisk” because of its star-like shape.

Why is an asterisk (*) used?

The asterisk symbol, also known as the “star” symbol, has a wide range of uses in various forms of written communication. It has been traditionally used to indicate a footnote or a reference, and it also has been used to censor a word in a piece of text. In programming and computer science, the asterisk is often used as a wildcard character, which can be used to represent any other character or characters in a string of text. In recent years the symbol has also been used to indicate a correction, a note or an explanation, and it is also used in mathematical notation to indicate multiplication.

For example, in a research paper, an asterisk symbol can be used to indicate a note or a reference at the bottom of the page. Without an asterisk, the reference or note would have to be included in the main text, making it less readable and less organized.

In computer programming, the asterisk is used as a wildcard character, which allows the programmer to search for and replace multiple files at once. Without the asterisk, the process would be much more time-consuming and less efficient.

What does asterisk * mean in conversation?

The asterisk symbol (*) is a versatile and handy tool that can be used in conversation to convey a wide range of meanings and emotions.

To bold or emphasize a word

For example, if you want to emphasize the word “really” in a text message, you can use an asterisk before and after the word.

For example:

The appetizer was *absolutely* delicious

This allows you to convey your emphasis without having to rely on a specific font or formatting.

To give a certain tone or as an emoji alternative

Asterisk symbol can be used as a way of setting off a word that gives your message a certain “tone” without actually leading the reader to believe that you’re saying the word.

For example:

I can’t believe it *facepalm*

To make a correction

Third, it can be used to make a correction to a previous mistake. This allows you to make a correction without having to delete or edit your previous message, and it also makes it clear to the reader that you are aware of the mistake.

For example.

Message #1: Hey, would you come over for a poopcorn?

Then you realize you made a mistake. Just send this:

Message #2: *popcorn

You can use the asterisk before or after the correct text. So you can also try this:

Message #2: popcorn*

The Asterisk Symbol

The asterisk symbol is so useful! It may be small and star-shaped, but it packs a big punch! Just like a little star in the sky can light up a dark night, the asterisk can make your text shine, adding emphasis, tone, or corrections all in a fun and cheerful way. It’s the ultimate multitasking symbol, it can be a footnote, a wildcard, a correction, and an emoticon all in one! It’s the ultimate wingman for your text!