The asterisk, represented by the familiar star-like character *, stands as one of the most ubiquitous symbols in written communication. Originating from ancient scribal practices, it has evolved into a multifaceted tool employed across linguistics, publishing, computing, and everyday language. This article delves into its etymology, primary applications, and contemporary relevance, drawing on authoritative definitions and historical context to illuminate its enduring utility.
Origins and Etymology of the Asterisk
The term “asterisk” derives from the Greek word asteriskos, meaning “little star,” a fitting description for its star-shaped form. In classical antiquity, scribes used it as a reference marker in manuscripts, particularly in texts like the Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible. Aristarchus of Samothrace, a 2nd-century BCE scholar, pioneered its use to highlight textual variants or additions during his editorial work on Homer’s epics.
By the Middle Ages, the asterisk had become standardized in European printing. Johannes Gutenberg’s invention of the movable-type press in the 15th century cemented its role in typography. Printers adopted it as the primary symbol for footnotes, a convention that persists today. Its visual distinctiveness—typically five- or six-pointed in print—made it ideal for drawing attention without disrupting text flow.
Handwritten asterisks often feature six or eight points, reflecting personal stylistic variations. This adaptability contributed to its survival across eras and scripts, from Latin alphabets to digital Unicode encoding (U+002A).
Core Functions in Writing and Publishing
In modern writing, the asterisk’s most traditional role is as a footnote indicator. Placed after a word or sentence, it directs readers to supplementary notes at the page bottom or document end. For instance, in academic papers, * denotes the first footnote, followed by double asterisks (**), daggers (†), and double daggers (‡) in sequence.
- Signals omitted text or letters in quotations.
- Highlights hypothetical linguistic forms in dictionaries, such as unattested words reconstructed by scholars.
- Marks corrections or repairs in conversational transcripts.
Beyond footnotes, asterisks denote emphasis or action in informal texts. In scripts and comics, *whispers* or *runs quickly* clarifies delivery or movement. This usage bridges narrative and visual media.
Censorship and Polite Obscenity
One of the asterisk’s most recognizable modern applications is in censoring profanity. By replacing vowels or key letters—e.g., f**k or sh*t—it softens offensive language for broadcast, print, or family-friendly contexts. News outlets and closed captioning frequently employ this to comply with standards while implying the full word.
This practice, dubbed “grawlixes” by cartoonist Mort Walker (though asterisks are a subset), balances readability with decorum. Organizations vary in rigor: some obscure entire words (*&%@!), others minimally alter them (d**n). Its effectiveness relies on reader familiarity with common profanities.
| Original Word | Censored Form | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Damn | D**n | Newsprint |
| Fuck | F**k | TV Captions |
| Shit | Sh*t | Social Media |
| Bitch | B*tch | Advertising |
Such substitutions appear in advertising fine print, where asterisks flag disclaimers, fostering skepticism: claims “with an asterisk” imply caveats.
Asterisks in Mathematics and Science
Mathematicians and scientists leverage the asterisk for notation and operations. In equations, * often denotes multiplication, especially in plain-text contexts: 2 * 3 = 6. More formally, it indicates convolution in signal processing or complex conjugation (z̅ as z*).
In linguistics, * prefixes hypothetical or ungrammatical forms: *The cat sleeps the dog illustrates invalid syntax. Record books append * to achievements under qualification, like Roger Maris’s 1961 home-run record, asterisked due to an extended season.
Physics uses * for duals or stars, e.g., Hodge star operator in differential geometry. Its versatility stems from avoiding ambiguity with letters or numbers.
Sports and Record-Keeping Conventions
In sports, the asterisk signifies qualified records. Baseball’s controversial use peaked in 1961 when Commissioner Ford Frick proposed asterisking Maris’s 61 home runs, breaking Babe Ruth’s 60 in a longer schedule. Though never officially implemented, the notion endures metaphorically.
Cricket employs * for “not out” batsmen scores: 107* means 107 runs without dismissal. Cycling and athletics similarly note drug-tainted or anomalous performances. This ensures historical accuracy while honoring context.
Digital Age: Computing and Programming
Computing elevated the asterisk to wildcard and operator status. In programming languages like C, Python, and regex, * denotes zero or more repetitions: a* matches “”, “a”, “aaa”.
Command lines use * for file globbing: *.txt lists all text files. Search engines treat it as a wildcard, broadening queries: “te*t” finds “test,” “tent”.
- Multiplication: In BASIC and early languages.
- Dereferencing: *ptr in C accesses pointed-to values.
- Exponentiation: Some calculators use ^, but * appears in hacks.
Chat apps use ***action*** for role-play or /me equivalents. Email clients mark read/unread with * variants.
Searching and Information Retrieval
Librarians and databases prize the asterisk as a truncation symbol. Appended to stems, it retrieves variants: child* yields child, children, childhood.
UHCL Library notes: “Use it with distinctive word stems to retrieve variations with less typing.” Boolean searches combine it: comput* AND ethic*. This efficiency scales to massive corpora, from PubMed to Google Scholar.
Cultural Impact and Idiomatic Expressions
Idiomatically, “asterisk” implies diminishment: “His win has an asterisk” suggests unfairness. Pop culture references it in titles like Asterisk War anime or sports debates.
Its vocalization as “star” in tech (A* algorithm) underscores nerdy affection. Memes deploy *screams internally* for emotional asides.
Typography and Design Best Practices
Designers position asterisks superscripted for footnotes, ensuring scannability. Avoid overuse; alternatives like numbers suit numbered notes. In bold text, * retains visibility.
Unicode variants include ⁎ (U+204E low asterisk) for spacing. Fonts like Times New Roman render it crisply.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What does an asterisk mean in footnotes?
It references notes at the page bottom, the first in a sequence of symbols.
How is * used to censor words?
Vowels or letters are replaced, e.g., d**n for “damn,” common in media.
What role does * play in programming?
As wildcard (*), multiplication, or pointer dereference.
Why do sports records get an asterisk?
To note qualifications, like shortened seasons or controversies.
Is * a wildcard in searches?
Yes, it finds word variations: educat* matches education, educator.
The asterisk’s journey from ancient marker to digital powerhouse exemplifies symbolic evolution. Its precision and adaptability ensure prominence in communication.
References
- ASTERISK Definition & Meaning — Merriam-Webster. 2023-10-15. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/asterisk
- Asterisk — Wikipedia. 2024-01-20. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asterisk
- What Are Asterisks ( * ) And How Do You Use Them? — Thesaurus.com. 2023-05-12. https://www.thesaurus.com/articles/asterisks
- How does the asterisk (*) work in a search? — University of Houston-Clear Lake Library. 2022-08-10. https://uhcl.libanswers.com/faq/164288
Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts. Medha specializes in the areas of beauty, health, sports, and wellness and is committed to ensuring that the content on the website is…