Words Unravelled with RobWords and Jess Zafarris
Why do we mind our Ps and Qs? | PRINTING TERMS
Mar 26, 2025
Discover the fascinating difference between fonts and typefaces, and the history of the printing press's impact on English spelling. Unearth the whimsical title of 'printer's devil' and the cultural implications of clichés born from printing. Delve into the etymology of terms like 'uppercase' and 'lowercase,' and enjoy quirky printing slang such as 'dingbat.' This lively discussion unveils how typography has shaped language and communication, blending history with playful insights into the world of printing.
40:29
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Quick takeaways
- The invention of the printing press greatly enhanced text production efficiency, transforming output from dozens to thousands of pages daily.
- The standardization of English through printing practices significantly altered spelling and grammar, reflecting cultural influences from other languages.
Deep dives
The Evolution of Printing: Gutenberg and Beyond
The invention of the printing press by Gutenberg marked a significant leap in printing technology, enhancing efficiency in producing text. Prior methods involved block printing, while Gutenberg's movable type allowed for greater versatility, enabling the assembly of pages from interchangeable pieces. This innovation transformed printing speed dramatically, increasing output from just a few dozen pages to thousands daily. The impact of this advancement is underscored by the surge in book production, going from mere tens of thousands to millions within a century.
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