Before computers, what was @ for? - HibeesBounce.com

**hibadelic** · 16-03-06, 15:58

What was the @ character originally invented for? It means "at", a two letter word ffs. It takes two key strokes to type @ and two to type at.
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Funsize Mars Bar for the best answer.

Bridie · 16-03-06, 16:02

Prior to 't'internet I remember seeing it used in hotel tarriffs etc eg

A double room with breakfast @ £65 pppn

or

Advertising space charged @ £1.00 per word

That sort of thing...but I am sure someone has the definative definition.

Do I get the Mars bar for being first!!!!!!

**Hiberni-mum** · 16-03-06, 16:03

It was used in nursing notes as well.

5ml Calpol given @ 3pm with desired effect
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Tortolinzi · 16-03-06, 16:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by hibadelic

What was the @ character originally invented for? It means "at", a two letter word ffs. It takes two key strokes to type @ and two to type at.
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Funsize Mars Bar for the best answer.

You're not kidding with your mood eh?!

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**hibadelic** · 16-03-06, 16:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bridie

Prior to 't'internet I remember seeing it used in hotel tarriffs etc eg

A double room with breakfast @ £65 pppn

or

Advertising space charged @ £1.00 per word

That sort of thing...but I am sure someone has the definative definition.

Do I get the Mars bar for being first!!!!!!

Nice try and points for initiative, but no.
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**Scoobie** · 16-03-06, 16:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bridie

Prior to 't'internet I remember seeing it used in hotel tarriffs etc eg

A double room with breakfast @ £65 pppn

or

Advertising space charged @ £1.00 per word

That sort of thing...but I am sure someone has the definative definition.

Do I get the Mars bar for being first!!!!!!

Deb, Amanda here says you're right. Actually, I asked her before I saw your post and she basically said the exact thing.

She says it was used for lists of items against costs, ie:

250 Turnips @ £1.50
66 Anchovies @ £250.26
13 Jockstraps @ 59p

etc, etc....

So, the Fun-sized Mars Bar should go to Amanda, cos you're aren't allowed any, madam!

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**Scoobie** · 16-03-06, 16:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by hibadelic

Nice try and points for initiative, but no.
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Do you know what the answer is supposed to be then? I thought you were wanting to know, not having a quiz!
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Amanda is our Accountant, and she says it's an industry thing because they don't use the multiply symbol (x) because it gets confused with the letter x.

**hibadelic** · 16-03-06, 16:14

Okay Mars Bar to Amanda, now my real question. Why was it needed, what was wrong with typing/writing at? And what does persnickety mean?

**hibadelic** · 16-03-06, 16:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scoobie

Do you know what the answer is supposed to be then? I thought you were wanting to know, not having a quiz!
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No, I've no idea but I demand answers.
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Bridie · 16-03-06, 16:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scoobie

So, the Fun-sized Mars Bar should go to Amanda, cos you're aren't allowed any, madam!

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Can't I have a gold plated trophy Fun Size Mars Bar mounted on a bit of wood with a wee silvery plaque engraved with an @ and she can have the chocolately one!
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....I've taken that too far haven't I........I'll get m' coat.
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**Scoobie** · 16-03-06, 16:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by hibadelic

Okay Mars Bar to Amanda, now my real question. Why was it needed, what was wrong with typing/writing at? And what does persnickety mean?

It was a formal thing. Everything was typed on a big clunky typewriters by floral-dressed wimmin with buns in their hair, told to write out a list by her Brylcreamed, suitwearing, round-bespeckled boss.

Plus if orders were written out as stock-codes rather than descriptions you'd have something like this:

35 x BL654-X1 at £1.40 each

rather than

35x BL654-X1 @ £1.40 pi

As regards to persnickety, when I check the dictionary your name comes up?
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blue toon hibby · 16-03-06, 16:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scoobie

Deb, Amanda here says you're right. Actually, I asked her before I saw your post and she basically said the exact thing.

She says it was used for lists of items against costs, ie:

250 Turnips @ £1.50
66 Anchovies @ £250.26
13 Jockstraps @ 59p

etc, etc....

So, the Fun-sized Mars Bar should go to Amanda, cos you're aren't allowed any, madam!

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If that's your shopping list for the Bounce Dinner Party, I'm sorry but I have a prior engagement that night.

**Naked Chef** · 16-03-06, 16:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bridie

Can't I have a gold plated trophy Fun Size Mars Bar mounted on a bit of wood with a wee silvery plaque engraved with an @ and she can have the chocolately one!
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....I've taken that too far haven't I........I'll get m' coat.
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Why're you not allowed chocolate Bridie?

**Scoobie** · 16-03-06, 16:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by blue toon hibby

If that's your shopping list for the Bounce Dinner Party, I'm sorry but I have a prior engagement that night.

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It's an auld faaaaaamily recipe.

**Bannox** · 16-03-06, 16:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by Naked Chef

Why're you not allowed chocolate Bridie?

Cause it would melt in the oven
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**Scoobie** · 16-03-06, 16:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bannox

Cause it would melt in the oven
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I dunno, sounds like a great idea! Something Scottish to rival all the Easter Eggs. Chocolate Bridies filled with caramel and hazelnuts.... Mmmmmm.

Edit: Not cooked, obviously
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**Bannox** · 16-03-06, 16:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scoobie

I dunno, sounds like a great idea! Something Scottish to rival all the Easter Eggs. Chocolate Bridies filled with caramel and hazelnuts.... Mmmmmm.

Edit: Not cooked, obviously
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Right enough of that
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keep it for the bedroom
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**Scoobie** · 16-03-06, 16:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bannox

Right enough of that
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keep it for the bedroom
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OY! Ya cheeky Monkey!
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**Bannox** · 16-03-06, 16:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scoobie

OY! Ya cheeky Monkey!
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need to listen to my therapist 'think it dont say it'
'think it dont say it'

Where's the doc
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**Daddy'O'Hibee** · 16-03-06, 16:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bannox

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need to listen to my therapist 'think it dont say it'
'think it dont say it'

Where's the doc
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In a cupboard under the stairs i believe
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Hampden_Hibby · 16-03-06, 17:46

A wee peek on the net reveals the @ is known by many different names throughout the world.

The @ is known as the monkey's tail in Germany, Holland, Poland and South Africa.

In France, Italy and Korea it is the little snail.

In Denmark it's the 'a' with an elephant's trunk.

In Hungary it's a worm.

In Norway it's a pig's tail.

In China it's a little mouse.

In Russia it's a dog (!!)

In Sweden it's the cinnamon bun.

In the Czech Republic it's the rolled pickled herring.

In Isreal it's the strudel.

In Finland it's the curled up sleeping cat.

16-03-06, 15:58	#1
hibadelic Radge-a-Casblanca Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: . Posts: 6,455 vCash: 500 Thanks: 4 Thanked 42 Times in 19 Posts Rep Power: 18	Before computers, what was @ for? What was the @ character originally invented for? It means "at", a two letter word ffs. It takes two key strokes to type @ and two to type at. To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Funsize Mars Bar for the best answer. __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. It fills me with joy to see moshers out jogging.

16-03-06, 16:02	#2
Bridie Arty Radge Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Bonnie Dundee - on the banks of the Silvery Tay Posts: 2,677 vCash: 500 Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Rep Power: 9	Re: Before computers, what was @ for? Prior to 't'internet I remember seeing it used in hotel tarriffs etc eg A double room with breakfast @ £65 pppn or Advertising space charged @ £1.00 per word That sort of thing...but I am sure someone has the definative definition. Do I get the Mars bar for being first!!!!!! __________________ Twa Plain Bridies an' an igin' ane an' a'

16-03-06, 16:03	#3
Hiberni-mum Radge Private Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: West Lothian Age: 42 Posts: 457 vCash: 500 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post Rep Power: 6	Re: Before computers, what was @ for? It was used in nursing notes as well. 5ml Calpol given @ 3pm with desired effect To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Last edited by Hiberni-mum; 16-03-06 at 16:22.

16-03-06, 16:14	#8
hibadelic Radge-a-Casblanca Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: . Posts: 6,455 vCash: 500 Thanks: 4 Thanked 42 Times in 19 Posts Rep Power: 18	Re: Before computers, what was @ for? Okay Mars Bar to Amanda, now my real question. Why was it needed, what was wrong with typing/writing at? And what does persnickety mean? __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. It fills me with joy to see moshers out jogging.

16-03-06, 17:46	#21
Hampden_Hibby A True Gadgie/Gadgess Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: . Posts: 4,236 vCash: 500 Thanks: 0 Thanked 76 Times in 30 Posts Rep Power: 16	Re: Before computers, what was @ for? A wee peek on the net reveals the @ is known by many different names throughout the world. The @ is known as the monkey's tail in Germany, Holland, Poland and South Africa. In France, Italy and Korea it is the little snail. In Denmark it's the 'a' with an elephant's trunk. In Hungary it's a worm. In Norway it's a pig's tail. In China it's a little mouse. In Russia it's a dog (!!) In Sweden it's the cinnamon bun. In the Czech Republic it's the rolled pickled herring. In Isreal it's the strudel. In Finland it's the curled up sleeping cat. __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.