Definition: The exclamation - ! - is a punctuation mark used in English and other languages to denote an exclamatory statement such as extreme happiness, shouting, or surprise. Also used in some math and computer programming languages. The mark used as an exclamation was originally a way of writing IO, a Latin word meaning exclamation or expression of joy.
Two theories as to the form of the exclamation are:
1) Scribes saved space by putting the I above the O with the O eventually becoming a filled-in dot;
2) It was originally written as an O with a slash through it but the O eventually disappeared and the remaining slash evolved into today's exclamation mark.
Also Known As: Exclamation Point | Exclamation Mark | Exclamation Note
Various slang terms: bang; pling; smash; soldier, control; screamer
Alt/ASCII Code: ALT 173 or ALT 0161
Examples:
Wow! Unbelievable! That's great! Stop jumping on the bed this instant!
Use exclamation marks sparingly in text. Multiple marks such as "Good Grief!!!!!!" are not standard usage.
Although exclamations can take many forms, the examples here (sidebar) show typical styles: Rounded/tear drop with circle; Rectangle/Tapered over diamond; Rectangle/Tapered over square; Rectangle/Tapered over circle.
