If the mark above the letters 'i' and 'j' is called a 'tittle' and it is a point (.) that used in decimal numbers and it is called a period (.) at the end of a sentence (in English), why do we call the mark used in websites etc. a 'dot'?
2006-11-27 04:32:58 · 9 answers · asked by Double O 6 in Education & Reference ➔ Trivia
This (·) is a dot.
2006-11-27 05:00:19 · update #1
Dot is a contemporary term, used to reference a website.
In computing, the period is often used as a delimiter, also called a "dot", for example in DNS lookups and file names.
So a domain is often read as "DomainName dot com" (or "dot co dot uk" et al). It is not unknown for internet users to call their personal websites their "dot". The most famous version of this is the website Slashdot.
2006-11-27 04:43:01 · answer #1 · answered by humantorch 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Originally the two 'points' used with letters and at the end of a sentence were called the 'jot' and the 'tittle'. They were the smallest parts of a written piece - but changed the meanings if missed out.
This is why Jesus said, "not one jot or tittle of the Law will pass away" (Matthew 5:18), meaning the smallest parts would be preserved.
Over the years, "jot" changed in pronunciation to "dot" - as in, "Dotting your 'i's and crossing your 't's".
In dictation, for emphasis and clarity, the 'dot' was referred to as 'period'.
In English it is, properly, a "full stop" when ending a sentence.
So much of internet + txtng is 4 bng short - Y use a longer word?
"Dot" is quicker to say and type than point, period or full stop.
2006-12-05 00:41:16 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's not a period because it's not at the end of a sentence, and it's not a tittle because it doesn't go above a letter. It's just a dot to separate parts of the address. You can call it whatever you wish, but dot is short, sweet and to the point. It is exactly what it is.
2006-11-27 12:44:07 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Probably because it is easy. Imagine always having to say yourname@yahoo (period) com. It sounds strange, right? It probably has to do with computer jargon.
2006-11-27 12:43:46 · answer #4 · answered by Christabelle 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Have you ever heard of "diddle com"? I still think "dot com" has a better ring to it.
2006-11-27 13:35:13 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
everything needs a way to be recognize for what it is.
2006-12-05 09:44:22 · answer #6 · answered by miss bean 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Okay, so like when you find out I'll... never mind.
/doc
2006-11-27 13:28:24 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
because we just do... you spend wayy too much time thinking about the little things that don't really matter...
2006-11-27 16:49:37 · answer #8 · answered by lost addict 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
well, we call it 'dot'
2006-11-27 12:49:01 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋