swung dash
Definition
Noun: A swung dash is a specific typographical symbol (~) used primarily in written text to represent the omission or abbreviation of a word or part of a word that has already been stated or is clearly understood from the context. It functions as a space-saving or stylistic device.
Usage
The swung dash is used to avoid repetition in dictionaries, glossaries, indexes, or informal writing. It stands in for a word that has just been written or is implied.
Examples
- In a dictionary entry: "reconstruct, ~ion" (Here, the swung dash stands for the root word "reconstruct," so the full form is "reconstruction.")
- In an index: "Washington, George, 1732–1799; ~, Martha, 1731–1802" (The swung dash replaces the repeated surname "Washington.")
- In informal notes: "Meet me at the usual place at the ~ time." (The swung dash implies the word "same" or "usual" from the previous context.)
Advanced Usage
- In linguistics and lexicography, the swung dash is a standard convention for indicating the repetition of a headword or lemma within an entry.
- It is distinct from other uses of the tilde (~), such as in mathematics (meaning "approximately") or in computing (as a home directory symbol in Unix-based systems). Its specific function is textual substitution.
Variants and Related Words
- Tilde: While often used interchangeably in casual contexts, a "tilde" is a broader category. The swung dash is one specific use of the tilde character in punctuation. Other uses of the tilde include denoting nasalization in phonetics (e.g., Portuguese "São") or representing logical negation.
Synonyms
- Substitution mark
- Replacement dash
- Omission symbol
Related Idioms or Phrases
- Stand in for: This phrasal verb describes the function of the swung dash.
- Example: In this entry, the swung dash stands in for the main headword.
Noun
-
a punctuation mark used in text to indicate the omission of a word
