dash

Definition

Any of the following symbols: ‒ (figure dash), – (en dash), — (em dash), or ― (horizontal bar).

Etymology

From Middle English daschen, dassen, from Danish daske (“to slap, strike”), related to Swedish daska (“to smack, slap, spank”), of obscure origin. Compare German tatschen (“to grope, paw”), Old English dwǣsċan (“to quell, put out, destroy, extinguish”). See also dush.

Example Sentences

• "When the feds came they did the dash."
• "The oar squeaks, a dash sound like moon-hustle on the river:"
• "They say that I’m way too cold, I never get tired of rappin My word is bang where I come from Watch be one work is magic Do it and dash it Smile on MAT No way this peng one acting Who got whacked and who got slapped And who got spared by dashes"

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