TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
Subject:Re: Origin of the AT Symbol From:Paul Trummel <trummel -at- U -dot- WASHINGTON -dot- EDU> Date:Mon, 31 Jan 1994 20:27:27 -0800
Chicago Maual of Style: @ = at
Traditionally called a "round at" by copyholders reading aloud to
proofreaders in the printing industry. "Round at" also names the
extraneous sort or type "@" used by compositors in typesetting.
Generally classified as a commercial sign used in monetary
transactions it has now become a discrete sign widely used in the computer
industry.
Paul Trummel
Department of Technical Communication
University of Washington
email: trummel -at- u -dot- washington -dot- edu
fax: 206-227-9486
vox: 206-227-9486
On Mon, 31 Jan 1994, Ann Amsler wrote:
> If you're talking about the Internet, I think it's safe to say that "at"
> is correct. The Whole Internet User's Guide and Catalog calls it that, and
> in fact, on some computers you actually have to type "at" in Internet
> addresses instead of using the @ sign.
> Ann Amsler
> University of Delaware
