Something fun for a change:
Did you know that the terms UPPERCASE and lowercase literally have their roots in the shelves used by typesetters? Yep, they do! Read on …
Although the origins of many words are rather odd and esoteric in nature, the origins of the words “uppercase” and “lowercase” (used to refer to capitalized and un-capitalized letters) is rather straightforward.
Back when every bit of printed material had to be handset by a printer or their assistants, the actual and individual letter stamps used were arranged by frequency of use. The infrequently used capital letters went in the “uppercase,” a slanted shelf above the main work area. The frequently used un-capitalized letters went in the “lowercase,” a more accessible shelf closer to the workstation.
And that’s how we came by those terms!
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About Dr Joseph Russo
Born and raised in Woodland Hills, California; now residing in Laramie, Wyoming (or "Laradise" as we call it, for good reason), with my wife Cindy, our little schnauzer, Macy Mae, and a cat named Markie. I hold a BBA from Cal State Northridge and an MBA from the University of Nevada at Reno. My first career was in business, for some 25+ years. In 2007, I shifted gears and entered the helping professions as a mental health counselor. I earned an MA in Educational Psychology and a Doctorate (PhD) in Counselor Education and Supervision. In my spare time I enjoy mentoring young and not-so-young business and non-profit executives as they go about growing their businesses and presence. I also teach part-time at the University of Wyoming, in both the Colleges of Education and Business.
Back when every bit of printed material had to be handset by a printer or their assistants, the actual and individual letter stamps used were arranged by frequency of use. The infrequently used capital letters went in the “uppercase,” a slanted shelf above the main work area. The frequently used un-capitalized letters went in the “lowercase,” a more accessible shelf closer to the workstation.