The Fascinating History of the @ Sign

📅The @ sign has a history dating back to the 14th century and was originally used in religious texts.

💼The @ sign was commonly used in trade and commerce, especially as a symbol for 'at a rate of.'

📧In 1971, Ray Tomlinson incorporated the @ sign into email addresses, making it a key symbol in online communication.

🖥️The @ sign gained popularity through its use in social media usernames and online forums.

🐽The @ sign has acquired various meanings and names, including 'strudel,' 'monkey tail,' and 'pigtail.'

When was the @ sign first used?

—The oldest recorded evidence of the @ sign being used dates back to 1354 in a religious text.

What was the @ sign used for in trade and commerce?

—The @ sign was commonly used in place of 'at a rate of' on market signs and accounts documents.

Who incorporated the @ sign into email addresses?

—Ray Tomlinson, who worked for BBN Technologies, used the @ sign to signify the sender's identity and originating computer in email addresses.

Where is the @ sign commonly used today?

—The @ sign is widely used in social media usernames and online forums.

What other names has the @ sign been given?

—The @ sign has been called 'strudel,' 'monkey tail,' 'worm,' and 'pigtail,' among others.

00:00The @ sign, commonly associated with modern communication, actually dates back to the 14th century when it was used in religious texts.

05:59The @ sign gained popularity in trade and commerce as a symbol for 'at a rate of' on market signs and documents.

09:59In 1971, Ray Tomlinson incorporated the @ sign into email addresses, making it a key symbol in online communication.

09:59The @ sign is widely used today in social media usernames and online forums.

10:49The @ sign has acquired various names, including 'strudel,' 'monkey tail,' and 'pigtail.'