Aversus
<b>Noun</b>
<b>Definition:</b>
<p>Aversus is the proposed and rightful name for the backslash (`\`), replacing the uninspired and reactionary term "reverse solidus." The name "Aversus" derives from the Latin *aversus*, meaning "turned away" or "opposite," accurately reflecting the character's orientation and function while giving it a distinct and dignified identity.</p>
<b>Etymology:</b>
<p>From Latin *aversus* (past participle of *avertere*), meaning "turned away," "opposed," or "facing away." The name was proposed as a means to liberate the backslash from its secondary and dependent status, allowing it to stand on its own in typographical history.</p>
<b>Historical Context:</b>
The backslash (`\`) was introduced in computing by Bob Bemer in 1961 for use in ASCII, primarily to serve as an escape character in programming languages. However, its name remained an afterthought, as it was merely designated in opposition to the forward slash (`/`), which had an established identity as the <i>solidus</i>. The term "reverse solidus" was coined in formal typographical contexts but never gained widespread natural usage.
<b>Definition:</b>
<p>Aversus is the proposed and rightful name for the backslash (`\`), replacing the uninspired and reactionary term "reverse solidus." The name "Aversus" derives from the Latin *aversus*, meaning "turned away" or "opposite," accurately reflecting the character's orientation and function while giving it a distinct and dignified identity.</p>
<b>Etymology:</b>
<p>From Latin *aversus* (past participle of *avertere*), meaning "turned away," "opposed," or "facing away." The name was proposed as a means to liberate the backslash from its secondary and dependent status, allowing it to stand on its own in typographical history.</p>
<b>Historical Context:</b>
The backslash (`\`) was introduced in computing by Bob Bemer in 1961 for use in ASCII, primarily to serve as an escape character in programming languages. However, its name remained an afterthought, as it was merely designated in opposition to the forward slash (`/`), which had an established identity as the <i>solidus</i>. The term "reverse solidus" was coined in formal typographical contexts but never gained widespread natural usage.
1. "Why do we call it 'reverse solidus'? That's like calling Saturn 'reverse Jupiter.' Just call it an <strong>Aversus</strong>!"
2. "Hey, can you escape that character in the code with an <strong>Aversus</strong>?"
3. "Finally, a name for \ that isn't just defining it by what it <i>isn't</i>. Long live the <strong>Aversus!</strong>"
2. "Hey, can you escape that character in the code with an <strong>Aversus</strong>?"
3. "Finally, a name for \ that isn't just defining it by what it <i>isn't</i>. Long live the <strong>Aversus!</strong>"
Aversus by Kichertasche March 31, 2025
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