Expertlatin
- What is the backwards 3 and symbol?
- Why is it called ampersand?
- What are the other forms of ampersand?
What is the backwards 3 and symbol?
The ampersand is also often shown as a backwards 3 with a vertical line above and below it or a dot above and below it. Ampersands are commonly seen in business names formed from partnership of two or more people, such as “Johnson & Johnson.”
Why is it called ampersand?
In the Middle Ages, single letters were used as full words when combined with the phrase “per se.” For instance, “I per se” meaning “by itself.” The symbol & was combined with “per se” in this fashion. It would eventually evolve into “and per se and.” This was shortened into the word we know and use today, “ampersand.”
What are the other forms of ampersand?
There are two basic forms of the ampersand, with many variations of both: the traditional, classic double counter version (&), and the style that looks more like an E or an et, sometimes with the addition of curves and flourishes.
