shorthand

[ shawrt-hand ]

noun

1. a method of rapid handwriting using simple strokes, abbreviations, or symbols that designate letters, words, or phrases ( longhand ).
2. a simplified or makeshift manner or system of communication:

   We spoke in a kind of pidgin shorthand to overcome the language barrier.

adjective

1. using or able to use shorthand.
2. written in shorthand.
3. of or relating to shorthand.

shorthand

/ ˈʃɔːtˌhænd /

noun

1. 1. a system of rapid handwriting employing simple strokes and other symbols to represent words or phrases
   2. ( as modifier )

      a shorthand typist

Word History and Origins

Origin of shorthand¹

First recorded in 1630–40; short + hand

Example Sentences

Hugh Newell Jacobsen’s work could be difficult to characterize and often left critics floundering for shorthand descriptions.

From Washington Post

Since then, GameStop has become shorthand for short investors getting “squeezed” as they scramble to cover their losses.

From Quartz

Users celebrated their “tendies,” a shorthand for chicken tenders that meant profits.

From Washington Post

So employers might consider the idea of hiring immigrants as shorthand for hiring people who’ve worked outside traditional systems to advance, who’ve grappled with trauma or uncertainty, who’ve seen some life.

From Fortune

They should only be used as a shorthand for personnel, not necessarily for a formation.

From Washington Post

She said Wright, whom the girl refers to as the shorthand “J,” also sensed that the heat was on.

From The Daily Beast

In doing these interviews and talking about her these past seasons, have you developed a shorthand for describing her personality?

From The Daily Beast

That serves as shorthand for Mercedes, BMW, Audi and Porsche.

From The Daily Beast

Throw in the period setting and “like Mad Men during WWII” shorthand becomes inevitable.

From The Daily Beast

The media, forever starved for lazy shorthand, have gone along with the labeling too.

From The Daily Beast

By this new species of shorthand we might have embodied this very article in half a dozen sprightly etchings!

From Project Gutenberg

Is it possible that money orders could be sent to someone just by using initials or some shorthand name?

From Project Gutenberg

He takes the precaution to station a shorthand writer in a concealed part of the room.

From Project Gutenberg

It seems strangely like old times to me to be making these jottings in Pitman's shorthand.

From Project Gutenberg

"I'm needing another shorthand man, and I can afford to pay a good bit more than that," he growled.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• calligraphy
• handwriting
• print
• script