In our visually saturated world, symbols and icons have become the universal language of our digital age.1 These simple graphics silently guide our daily interactions and decisions, from the power button on our devices to the recycling symbol on our packaging.
But have you ever considered the rich histories and hidden meanings behind these icons?
1. Power Button
The power button symbol, a circle with a line through it, is so common that we hardly give it a second thought. But this simple icon has a rich history of World War II.
Initially designed by engineers to represent the binary system (1 for on, 0 for off), the symbol evolved to include both states in a single, elegant design. Today, it’s estimated that the average person interacts with this symbol over 20 times a day, making it one of the most recognized icons in the modern world.
2. Peace Symbol
Often associated with hippie culture and anti-war movements, the peace symbol has a surprisingly dark origin.
Created in 1958 by British artist Gerald Holtom, the symbol combines the semaphore signals for “N” and “D,” standing for “Nuclear Disarmament.”
Holtom later revealed that the pose of a peasant inspired the downward-pointing lines before a firing squad, symbolizing despair. Despite its sad beginnings, the peace symbol has become a universal icon of hope and unity, appearing on everything from protest signs to fashion accessories.
3. Heart Symbol
The heart symbol bears little resemblance to the human heart, yet it’s universally recognized as a symbol of love and affection. Its origins are debated, but one theory suggests it evolved from the shape of silphium seeds, an extinct plant used in ancient times as a contraceptive.
Another theory links it to the ivy leaf, a symbol of fidelity in medieval times. Regardless of its origin, the heart symbol appears in over 10% of all emojis sent worldwide, making it one of our most popular digital icons.
4. USB Symbol
The USB (Universal Serial Bus) symbol, resembling a trident, was designed to represent the versatility of the connection standard. The symbol’s three-pronged design means the devices that can be connected: computers, peripherals, and consumer electronics.
Since its introduction in 1996, the USB standard has revolutionized how we connect devices. It’s estimated that over 10 billion USB-enabled devices are in use worldwide, with the average household owning at least 5 USB-compatible devices.(ref)
5. Dollar Sign
The origin of the dollar sign is shrouded in mystery, but its influence is undeniable. One popular theory suggests it evolved from the Spanish peso, abbreviated as “ps,” which eventually merged into the iconic $. The dollar sign was widely used in the late 18th century. Today, it’s recognized globally and appears in over 20 different currencies.
6. Bluetooth Symbol
The Bluetooth symbol, a combination of two Norse runes, pays homage to the 10th-century King of Denmark, Harald Bluetooth. The king was known for uniting Danish tribes, much like how Bluetooth technology unites devices.
Invented in 1994, Bluetooth has become an integral part of our digital lives. Recent statistics indicate that over 4 billion Bluetooth-enabled devices were shipped in 2020 alone. The symbol’s simplicity and distinctiveness have contributed to its widespread recognition.(ref)
7. Play Button
The play button, a simple triangle pointing right, has become synonymous with media playback. Its origins can be traced back to reel-to-reel tape recorders of the 1960s, where the symbol indicated the direction of tape movement.
In the digital age, the play button has transcended its original purpose. It’s estimated that YouTube’s play button is clicked over 5 billion times daily.
8. Wi-Fi Symbol
The Wi-Fi symbol, resembling a dot with radiating waves, was designed to represent invisible radio signals. The Wi-Fi Alliance created it in 1999 to standardize wireless network labeling.
Wi-Fi has become so common that many people mistake it for the internet. The symbol’s simplicity has contributed to its global recognition, transcending language barriers in public spaces worldwide.
9. Pause Symbol
The pause symbol, two parallel vertical lines, was designed to represent the interruption of movement visually. It first appeared on audio equipment in the 1960s and has become a universal sign for temporary stoppage.
The pause symbol has taken on new significance in our always-on digital world. Its simplicity has allowed it to transcend its original audio-visual context, and it is now often used metaphorically in mindfulness and stress-management practices.
10. Recycling Symbol
The familiar three-arrow recycling symbol was created in 1970 by Gary Anderson, then a 23-year-old college student, as part of a design contest sponsored by Container Corporation of America.
His design was inspired by the Möbius strip, a surface with only one side and one boundary. Today, this symbol is recognized by over 90% of consumers worldwide and has become synonymous with environmental consciousness.
11. Shopping Cart Icon
The shopping cart icon, a simple line drawing of a cart, has become the universal symbol for online purchasing. Its origins are tied to Sylvan Goldman’s invention of the physical shopping cart in 1937.
In the e-commerce era, this icon has taken on immense significance. The shopping cart icon’s effectiveness lies in its instant recognizability, bridging the gap between physical and digital retail experiences.
12. Ampersand
The ampersand, that curvy little character we use as shorthand for “and,” has a rich history dating back to ancient Rome. Originally a ligature of the letters “e” and “t” spelling “et” (Latin for “and”), it evolved over centuries into the symbol we know today.
Interestingly, the ampersand was once considered the 27th letter of the English alphabet. Children would recite their ABCs ending with “X, Y, Z, and per se and”—and the last part eventually slurred into “ampersand.” Today, it’s used in an estimated 5% of all written English, making it one of the most frequently used special characters.
13. Hashtag
The hashtag, once known merely as the “pound sign” or “number symbol,” has become a cultural phenomenon in the digital age. Chris Messina first proposed using it as a metadata tag that won Twitter in 2007, but the platform initially rejected the idea.
Despite this initial setback, the hashtag took off. By 2010, Twitter had officially adopted the feature, and other social media platforms quickly followed suit. This simple symbol has revolutionized how we categorize and discover content online.
14. Smiley Face
The iconic yellow smiley face, a universal symbol of happiness, was created by graphic artist Harvey Ball in 1963. Ball was commissioned to develop a morale-boosting symbol for an insurance company, and the design was completed in just 10 minutes.
Remarkably, Ball was paid only $45 for his work, and neither he nor the insurance company ever trademarked the design. The smiley face gained immense popularity in the 1970s and has become a global phenomenon.
15. Copyright Symbol
The copyright symbol, a small “c” enclosed in a circle, was first introduced in the United States in 1909 as part of the Copyright Act. Its purpose was to provide a standardized way of indicating copyright protection on creative works.
Interestingly, the symbol was internationally recognized in the Universal Copyright Convention in 1952. Today, while the symbol is no longer legally required to establish copyright in most countries, it remains widely used.
16. The @ Symbol
Once an obscure accounting symbol, the @ sign has become the linchpin of digital communication. Computer engineer Ray Tomlinson pioneered its use in email addresses in 1971, forever changing its significance.
The @ symbol’s journey is a testament to linguistic adaptability. It has acquired unique nicknames in many languages- a “monkey tail” in Dutch and a “little mouse” in Mandarin.
17. Radiation Symbol
With its striking yellow and black design, the trefoil radiation symbol was created in 1946 at the University of California, Berkeley. It was designed to be memorable, easily recognizable, and unlike any other existing symbol to prevent confusion.
Despite its effectiveness, many people in developing countries need help understanding the symbol’s meaning. This led to the creation of a supplementary “radiating waves” symbol in 2007, making it one of the most universally understood warning symbols.
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Martha A. Lavallie
Martha is a journalist with close to a decade of experience in uncovering and reporting on the most compelling stories of our time. Passionate about staying ahead of the curve, she specializes in shedding light on trending topics and captivating global narratives. Her insightful articles have garnered acclaim, making her a trusted voice in today's dynamic media landscape.
