o̲

Swedish

Alternative forms

Etymology

Origin unknown. Possibly:

  • To visually enhance o (“and”) to clarify its separation from surrounding letters and words. Confer with English w/, Spanish c/, and Danish m/.
  • An abbreviation of och (“and”).
  • A continued evolution of & or o., similar to how @ developed from à.

The Language Council of Sweden believes that the first explanation, to visually enhance o (“and”), is most likely the correct one. But also acknowledges that the second explanation, an abbreviation of och (“and”), may have played a part.[1]

Conjunction

o̲ (siglum)

  1. &, and
    mjölk, ägg, socker o̲ äpplen
    milk, egg, sugar and apples
    Advokatfirma Björkman o̲ Lind
    Law Firm Björkman & Lind
    Synonyms: och, &

References
  1. Språkrådet: Varifrån kommer o med streck under?
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