tittle
noun

- a term for the lowercase dot used at the top of certain letters such as “i” and “j” in both printing and handwriting

- a point or small sign used in writing or printing

- a very small part

Merriam-Webster

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ORIGIN OF WORD

The use of this dot dates back to 11th-century Latin manuscripts in which the scribes realized the need to add a small mark that would separate these lowercase letters from the ones immediately before or after them.

Due to its very small size, this dot is also referenced in the phrase “jot and tittle” that is sometimes used to describe every last minute detail of a given subject.

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“DOT YOUR I’s AND CROSS YOUR T’s”

In handwritten notes and letters the tittle can be executed in various styles, depending on individual penmanship. Some people develop the habit of substituting an open circle for the small solid dot. Others can even use symbols such as hearts in place of this dot, although this practice can be viewed as somewhat unprofessional or even juvenile in formal situations.

The idiom “dot the i’s and cross the t’s” means to put the finishing touches on something, to pay a great deal of attention to final details before completing a task.

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SMUGGLE OWAD into an English conversation, say something like:

“That tiny mark named ‘TITTLE’ can be a great subject of conversation when in the company of graphic designers.”

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HERZLICHEN DANK to all readers helping me keep OWAD alive with single or monthly donations at:

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and,

Paul Smith, IBAN: DE75 7316 0000 0002 5477 40