Kristine
Whether you’re texting a friend or emailing your boss, punctuation always matters. Something as simple as switching a period for an exclamation point can alter the overall tone of your message (ex. “I can’t wait to see you.” vs “I can’t wait to see you!”). These problems are amplified further when punctuation marks are eliminated entirely, which is increasingly common in online spaces.
Because so many of our daily conversations are carried out in writing, using punctuation marks that denote sarcasm, highlight rhetorical questions, or reflect incredulousness could easily reduce misunderstanding. In fact, people have wanted to enhance their writing since long before the digital age, with some going so far as to create their own unique punctuation marks! To help everyone improve their digital literacy this year, here are some of the most useful lesser-known punctuation marks we’d love to bring back:
Percontation Point
This symbol, a simple reversed question mark (⸮), was introduced in the 1580s by English printer, Henry Denham. Denham stated that the percontation point should be used at the end of rhetorical questions (for example, “Who do you think you are⸮”). Sadly, people stopped using it by the late 1600s.
Doubt Point
When you’re unsure about something, you might use a handful of question marks to convey your doubt to whoever you’re communicating with (for instance, “I think we’re leaving soon???”.) However, French author Hervé Bazin created the doubt point for this exact situation. The symbol resembles a jagged, haphazard question mark, almost as if the writer was doubting their own ability to draw a question mark.
Acclamation Point
Also proposed by Hervé Bazin, the acclamation point was described as “the stylized representation of the two small flags that float at the top of the bus when a head of state visits.” In other words, this symbol should be used when you’re welcoming someone or acknowledging someone’s honor or goodwill.
The SarcMark
In 2006, Douglas Sak decided that there needed to be a modern punctuation mark specifically to denote sarcasm when he was writing a message to a friend. Thus, the SarcMark swirl was created, and you can even download it to your Android, iOS device, or WordPress site!
Certitude Point
Instead of typing in all caps when you KNOW you’re right about something, use the certitude point to reassure readers that they should trust your expertise. I wouldn’t recommend using this in lieu of a references page for a scholarly essay, but if you’re passionately defending your stance on a debate about Star Wars vs. Star Trek, for example, feel free to use the certitude point to your heart’s desire.
