:feature key: n. The Macintosh key with the cloverleaf graphic on
its keytop; sometimes referred to as `flower', `pretzel',
`clover', `propeller', `beanie' (an apparent reference to the
major feature of a propeller beanie), {splat}, or the `command
key'. The Mac's equivalent of an {alt} key (and so labeled on
on some Mac II keyboards). The proliferation of terms for this
creature may illustrate one subtle peril of iconic interfaces.
Many people have been mystified by the cloverleaf-like symbol that
appears on the feature key. Its oldest name is `cross of St.
Hannes', but it occurs in pre-Christian Viking art as a decorative
motif. Throughout Scandinavia today the road agencies use it to
mark sites of historical interest. Apple picked up the symbol from
an early Mac developer who happened to be Swedish. Apple
documentation gives the translation "interesting feature"!
There is some dispute as to the proper (Swedish) name of this
symbol. It technically stands for the word `sev"ardhet'
(interesting feature) many of these are old churches. Some Swedes
report as an idiom for it the word `kyrka', cognate to English
`church' and Scots-dialect `kirk' but pronounced /shir'k*/ in
modern Swedish. Others say this is nonsense.
-- The AI Hackers Dictionary
its keytop; sometimes referred to as `flower', `pretzel',
`clover', `propeller', `beanie' (an apparent reference to the
major feature of a propeller beanie), {splat}, or the `command
key'. The Mac's equivalent of an {alt} key (and so labeled on
on some Mac II keyboards). The proliferation of terms for this
creature may illustrate one subtle peril of iconic interfaces.
Many people have been mystified by the cloverleaf-like symbol that
appears on the feature key. Its oldest name is `cross of St.
Hannes', but it occurs in pre-Christian Viking art as a decorative
motif. Throughout Scandinavia today the road agencies use it to
mark sites of historical interest. Apple picked up the symbol from
an early Mac developer who happened to be Swedish. Apple
documentation gives the translation "interesting feature"!
There is some dispute as to the proper (Swedish) name of this
symbol. It technically stands for the word `sev"ardhet'
(interesting feature) many of these are old churches. Some Swedes
report as an idiom for it the word `kyrka', cognate to English
`church' and Scots-dialect `kirk' but pronounced /shir'k*/ in
modern Swedish. Others say this is nonsense.
-- The AI Hackers Dictionary
Related:
- feature key n.
[common] The Macintosh key with the
cloverleaf graphic on its keytop;
sometimes referred to as `flower', `pretzel', `clover'... - alt: /awlt/ 1. n. The alt shift key on an IBM PC or {clone}
keyboard;
see {bucky bits}, sense 2 (though typical PC usage... - propeller key n.
[Mac users] See feature key... - kyrka /chur'ka/ n.
[Swedish] See feature key... - splat n.
1. Name used in many places (DEC, IBM, and
others) for the asterisk (*) character (ASCII 0101010).
This may derive from the `squashed-bug' appearance... - splat: n. 1. Name used in many places (DEC, IBM, and others) for
the asterisk (`*') character (ASCII 0101010).
This may derive from the `squashed-bug' appearance... - clover key n.
[Mac users] See feature key... - pretzel key n.
[Mac users] See feature key... - flower key n.
[Mac users] See feature key...
From the same category:
- Jesus said love one another. He didn't say love the whole world.
Mother... - Those who voluntarily put power into the hands of a tyrant or an
enemy,
must not wonder if it be at last turned against themselves... - Your life would be very empty if you had nothing to
regret... - The only way you'll ever hear from me is if you're living in the same hell.
- Roy... - We haven't the time to take our time.
--
Eugene...
