In our day to day, we use the computer or mobile keyboard without thinking too much about the symbols that compose it. Some are evident -like the point (.) Or the comma (,) -, but others go completely unnoticed … even if they are in sight all the time. One of them is La Virgulilla (~)a symbol that you have probably seen many times, but whose name you may not know.
We decipher what they are called three of the most mysterious symbols on the keyboard: The virgulilla, the circumflejo and the low script. Spoiler: None is called “La Rayita ESA”.
1. The virgulilla (~): much more than a “undite”
The symbol ~ is officially known as primealthough in some countries it is also called ñ tildebecause it was historically used as a brand to create that letter (in fact, it represents a double “N”).
The virgulilla has different uses according to language and context:
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In programmingserves to represent binary operations, logical denials or routes of directories in UNIX systems (
~/). -
In mathyou can indicate approach (for example, “π ~ 3.14”).
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In languages such as Portuguese or Estonianmodifies vocal sounds, leading to nasal pronunciations.
Despite its usual presence, there are few who know that this small wavy symbol has its own name: virgulilla. Its root comes from Latin virgulewhich means “small twig” or “thin line.”
2. The circumflejo (^): the forgotten tejadito
Another symbol that goes unnoticed is the circumflexthat little “home roof” (^) that some call “hat” or even “Chinese hat.”
The circumflejo has several functions depending on the environment:
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In Frenchchange the pronunciation of certain vowels and usually indicate the historical disappearance of a letter (for example, Forêtforest).
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In programmingrepresents potentiation or control operations.
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In REGEX (Regular expressions), is used to indicate the beginning of a line or pattern.
Although in Spanish we do not use it regularly, the circumflex appears in many technical texts, foreign languages or software codes, so recognizing it can be more useful than it seems.
3. The low script (_): the great internet ally
He low script (_) is one of the most versatile symbols, and also more underestimated. We use it for Create spaces in user namesURLs or computer files that do not accept common spaces.
Your technical name is low script either Low bardepending on the country. In English it is called “Underscore”, and its use shot with the arrival of computer science, since many systems do not admit normal spaces in identifiers.
In addition, the low script has a presence in:
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Programming languages such as Python or Javascript.
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Databases to name columns.
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URLs, links, passwords and aka.
Today it is almost essential in the digital environment, although few know what is officially called.
And you, did you know them?
These symbols are closer than you imagine: On your keyboard, on your screen, on your social networks. But as so many everyday things, their name and function go unnoticed.
So the next time you see a virgulilla, a circumflex or a low script, you will know that they are not simple keyboard decorations. Are Key pieces of modern communicationwith centuries of history behind.