Every month, we take a look at a word in the headlines, in English, for your English. See more at The Word of the Month.
Definitions
Hash (noun): The # symbol on a keyboard or telephone.
Tag (noun): a label or identifying mark.
Hashtag (noun): a word or phrase starting with #, used to group relevant topics on the web.
Ex: #imwearingsocks
A brief history of hashtags
-Originated in Internet chatrooms as a way to label conversation topics. #nerds
-Introduced to microblogging site Twitter in 2007. #billionairenerds
-Now used everywhere by everyone, including your mother. #weareallnerds
Tag Time
Tag is a game in which kids aggressively chase and slap each other. #childrenarethefuture
Tagliatelle is a flat noodle invented by Italian gladiator Emporio Armani. #theinternettoldme
Hash Trivia
The # symbol is called hash in the UK, but pound in the US. Meanwhile the British use pounds instead of dollars. #anglologic.
Hash is also short for hashish, the Arabic word for ‘grass’. Far less addictive than hashtags. #pleasehelpme
Take a look through our Word of the Month archives, or improve your English with gymglish.com.