Since I don't own any fancy technology, I'm at a loss to understand what people mean by this term. I know that hash is chopped meat and potatoes, derived from the French word for "chop," and tag is German for day. So what does chopped meat and potatoes day in Europe have to do with yuppie electronics? Is there any reasonable etymology for the term?

The # symbol is sometimes called "hash mark" or "hash sign", probably from "hatch" because it looks like hatching.

"tag" is a label, a way of grouping things into categories.

"hashtag" is a tag proceeded by # on the twitter. I don't know why # was used for this.

Great question, Geoff. I have always wondered about that as well. Interestingly, when I put "internet terms" or "Web terms" into Google, I get a lot of glossaries, but none of them had "hashtag."

I put just pain old "hash" into Google and it ignored my request, substituting "hashtag." I had to enter "hash recipes" to get "hash." Why is that? Is Google trying to control my mind? Should I be wearing an aluminum foil cap to stop the thought control rays?

How come the "#" symbol is called "the pound sign" by the robot I talk to when I call my bank? Right now I'm all for pounding hashtags and making hash of pound signs. Gimmie back language that I can understand!

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Geoff,

It's an alternative name. Combining this and the obscenicon topic, see the comments to this Language Log post.

Keith Houston's excellent book Shady Characters has a chapter on the # sign and its many names.

That looks like a great book, Goofy. I am going to buy it.

Indeed it does appeal. I'll order it. Thanks, Goofy.

quote:

Keith Houston's excellent book Shady Characters has a chapter on the # sign and its many names.

I was third in line for this book at the local library. Finally hit the jackpot and it is all as Goofy says.

I got it for Shu for Hanukkah, and he loves it, too.