ETAOIN SHRDLU Definition & Meaning

etaoin shrdlu

[ et-ee-oin shurd-loo, -oh-in, ee-tee- ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

the letters produced by running the finger down the first two vertical rows of keys at the left of the keyboard of a Linotype machine: used as a temporary marking slug or to indicate that an earlier mistake in the line necessitates resetting, but sometimes inadvertently cast and printed.

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�y��vlog History and Origins

Origin of etaoin shrdlu¹

First recorded in 1955–60

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

The Linotype machine was invented by a Latvian machinist named Etaoin Shrdlu.

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On that last night, Mr. Schlesinger became one of the “stars” of “Farewell, Etaoin Shrdlu,” a 29-minute documentary film with a title that Linotype operators would instantly recognize.

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Striking the first 12 keys, which were in two columns at the left of the keyboard, “spelled” etaoin shrdlu.

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“Farewell, Etaoin Shrdlu” takes its name from the unusual key alignment on the Linotype.

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Sometimes, “etaoin shrdlu” was overlooked and made its way into the paper.

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