【趣谈英语】“和”的符号是怎么来的？-How the Ampersand Got its Name

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ampersand: a symbol for “et” meaning “and”

cursive: handwriting

recite: to say

per se: by of or in itself; as such

slur¹: to say words quickly so that they run together

 

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How the Ampersand Got its Name

Once upon a time, in the 19th century, the ampersand was included in the alphabet. The ampersand originated² as a cursive e beside a cursive t, which meant “and” in Latin. When reciting the alphabet in English, it became customary³ for students to include single letters that were also words. At the end of the alphabet, students would say “X,Y,Z and, per se, & (and)”. Eventually, students slurred⁴ that last bit together to create the word “ampersand”. While this custom eventually fell out of use, the ampersand is still used today for stylistic reasons or to write “and” in short form.

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