PUNCTUATION’S PROBLEM CHILD Why the Interrobang Fizzled Out
It’s a punctuation mark that’s over 50 years old, but you may not have heard of it before. It’s an odd-looking squiggle that denotes a common inflection, but many experts argue it has no place on paper. In an age when thoughts are limited to 280 characters, wouldn’t a single punctuation mark that does the job of two be valuable? Some say yes, others say no thank you. So what is this mystery punctuation mark? It’s the interrobang! In 1962, advertising agent Martin K. Speckter believed ads would look better if rhetorical questions were conveyed using a single mark. He merged the question mark, also called an interrogative point, with the exclamation point, known in the jargon of printers as a “bang,” and the interrobang was born.
in some dictionaries and even on some typewriters in the late ‘60s and early ‘70s. And while it was used in magazine and newspaper articles for several years, it wasn’t meant to last.
rhetorical or not. But the reason people don’t use the interrobang to serve
the same purpose is simple: It’s not a key on keyboards. There are still certain fonts that are equipped to display the nonstandard mark, but if you want to use
There are a few explanations for why the interrobang never took off, but the most prominent one says that as writing styles changed, there was less use of rhetorical questions in writing, especially formal writing. Because the interrobang was originally intended to denote rhetorical questions, it faded from use. Today, using the two punctuation marks that make up the interrobang is still popular, especially in nonformal writing like social media copy. Any variation of “!?” denotes a sense of excitement, urgency, or disbelief in the form of a question,
it, you have to go digging for it. It’s just much quicker to write two punctuation marks than search for a single one. But who knows what the future will bring? Language is in an ever-changing state, and the interrobang may rise again. Or will it ‽
In the first few years of its existence, the interrobang made some mild headway, appearing
RECOGNIZE THE SIGNS Know When It’s Time to See the Dentist
DRY MOUTH
Now that our office is open for regular business again, you can make that appointment you’ve been putting off! In addition to keeping up with your regular hygiene practices, there are certain signs you should be aware of so you know to make an appointment as soon as possible.
A healthy mouth has lots of saliva to wash away food particles and neutralize the acids produced by plaque. If your mouth is unusually dry, your dentist can determine what might be causing it and find ways to restore moisture to your mouth.
RECEDING GUMS
LOOSE TEETH
Some gum recession is normal with aging, but it can also be a sign of uncleanliness or disease. No matter the cause, retreating gums are dangerous because they expose the delicate roots of your teeth, increase the risk of decay, and can cause infection, pain, and tooth loss.
If you notice any shifting teeth or widening gaps, it could be a sign of bone loss or infection. Also, note the way your teeth or dentures fit together when you bite down. If something feels off, your dentist needs to know so they can make adjustments.
your mouth, it could be a fungal infection. Your dentist can prescribe medicine to treat it.
BLEEDING
TOOTHACHES
BUMPS OR SORES
Blood on your toothbrush or in the sink after you brush or floss isn’t normal. It could mean you’re developing periodontal disease, an infection of the tissues in your mouth. It could also mean you’re not brushing well or flossing regularly. Other signs of periodontal disease include red, swollen, or tender gums.
If your teeth or any other part of your mouth is in pain, it’s worth bringing up to your dentist. Toothaches and sensitivity shouldn’t be ignored, as they could be signs of cavities, abscesses, broken teeth, or a damaged filling. Only your dentist can determine what the source of your pain is and treat it.
Some canker sores are common and will clear up on their own, but other oral lesions that can result from fungal infections should be taken seriously. If you have white sores on your tongue, inner cheek, tonsils, or the roof of
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