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1968, Two Blank Keys on Touch-Tone Phones
In 1968, AT&T embarked on the design of a new digital telephone. This innovative device was intended to feature the standard numerical keys from 0 to 9, alongside two additional function keys: the asterisk (*) and the pound sign (#). However, a significant challenge emerged during the development process. Neither of these two new symbols possessed an official, universally recognized name, which led to considerable confusion and difficulty when preparing technical manuals and user guides. Recognizing this practical problem, a team of engineers at Bell Laboratories, including Doug Kerr, took action. In 1971, they made the decision to formally assign a new name to the "#" symbol, aiming to standardize its identification and usage.
The Etymology of Octothorpe: Fact and Jest
The name 'octothorpe' was coined with a clear etymological basis for its first part. 'Octo' is derived from the Greek word for 'eight,' a direct reference to the eight distinct endpoints or lines that radiate from the center of the '#' symbol. The origin of the 'thorpe' component, however, is subject to two prevailing theories. One theory suggests it comes from the Old English word 'thorpe,' meaning 'small village' or 'hamlet,' perhaps evoking the image of eight small farmhouses clustered together. The second, more anecdotal theory, posits that 'thorpe' was a playful parody of Jim Thorpe, the celebrated American athlete and 1912 Olympic gold medalist. Doug Kerr himself later recounted that a colleague proposed the name as a joke, inspired by a photograph of Jim Thorpe, which ultimately stuck as the official designation for the symbol.
2007: The Rediscovery on Twitter
Years after its formal naming, the '#' symbol experienced a significant resurgence and redefinition in the digital realm. On August 23, 2007, programmer Chris Messina posted a pivotal question on Twitter: "How do you feel about using # for groups?" This simple query marked the unofficial genesis of the 'hashtag' as we know it today. Initially, Twitter's management was hesitant, reportedly dismissing the idea as 'too nerdy' and not fitting their platform's aesthetic. However, the concept quickly gained organic traction among users, leading to an explosive adoption rate. Faced with overwhelming user engagement, Twitter eventually embraced the hashtag, integrating it as a core feature. Consequently, the formal term 'octothorpe' largely receded from public consciousness, replaced by the widely recognized and ubiquitous 'hashtag' as the standard descriptor for the symbol's new function.
The Hanja Character for 'Group'
The concept of 'grouping' finds a profound linguistic parallel in the East Asian character '群' (gun). This character is a fascinating composite, formed by combining '君' (jun), meaning 'lord' or 'ruler,' with '羊' (yang), which signifies 'sheep.' Together, they visually represent 'a flock of sheep gathered under a master,' illustrating a collective brought together by a common authority or purpose. This same character is fundamental to various Korean terms denoting collections, such as '군집' (cluster), '군중' (crowd), and '군상' (group of people). Intriguingly, the core essence of the hashtag — its ability to 'group by the same topic' or 'bind together under a common theme' — is inherently reflected within the very structure and meaning of this ancient Hanja character. Thus, the simple '#' symbol, in its modern digital application, effectively creates the '群' (group) of the contemporary era.
