pronunciation - When to pronounce # for pound, sharp, hash or hashtag?



How to pronounce # in a proper way?


Currently, I know it's used to pronounce "pound" in US English, "hash" in British English, "sharp" for C#--a programming language, and number sign to list items. Not sure if I'm right or not.


Also, I lives in non-English speaking country and many pronounce "hashtag" for this symbol, though I'm suspicious about this.


I'd be glad if you can list more examples about this.


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Update: To be clear: The question is about the pronunciation, not how it came from.



Answer



The name of the symbol in AT&T patent filings is "octothorp," but no one ever says this. If it precedes a number, say "number" as in "#2 pencils." If you're talking about a telephone key pad or if it follows a number say "pound" or "hash" (if you are using US or UK English respectively) as in "enter your password followed by the # sign" or "a 5# bag of sugar." If it's in a tweet say "hashtag."


For speculations on whether # symbol is called "pound" because it replaced the £ symbol in telegraphy and telephony I recommend the following: language log


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