Tokening Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

Technology

• In computer science, tokening refers to creating unique symbols used for authentication, like passwords or access keys.
• Blockchain technology uses tokening to represent assets digitally, making them easier to trade and manage.
• Tokenization helps protect sensitive data by replacing it with non-sensitive equivalents, enhancing security in transactions.

Psychology

• Token economies are behavioral interventions where desired behaviors are rewarded with tokens that can be exchanged for privileges or rewards.
• Psychologists have studied how tokening can effectively shape behavior in both children and adults, promoting positive actions.
• Tokens can serve as tangible reminders of progress, helping individuals feel a sense of achievement in therapeutic settings.

Pop Culture

• In popular games and entertainment, tokens are often used as collectibles or currency, like in video games where players acquire tokens to unlock special items.
• Movies and television shows have also used tokens as plot devices, representing value or bargaining chips in various storylines.
• The concept of tokenism in social discussions refers to superficial inclusion of minority groups, highlighting the importance of genuine representation.

Literature

• In literature, characters might give or receive tokens as symbols of love or friendship, representing deeper emotional connections.
• Tokens often appear in folklore as magical objects granting wishes or powers, reflecting cultural beliefs about value and sacrifice.
• Authors have used tokening as a literary device to explore themes of identity and belonging, where characters seek meaningful symbols in their lives.

Main points about word origin

• The word 'token' comes from the Old English 'tacan', which means 'to show' or 'to demonstrate'.
• Originally, 'token' referred to physical signs or objects that represented something else, like a gift or a reminder.
• In the 17th century, the term expanded to include symbolic items used in rituals or trades.

The term 'token' originates from the Old English word 'tacn', which means a sign or indication. The modern usage of 'token' in technology likely developed through computer science and linguistics, where it denotes a unit of meaning or a representative piece of data. The process of 'tokenization' has gained particular prominence with the rise of digital text processing and machine learning, as it helps to create structured data from unstructured text. In the early days of computing, tokens were used primarily in programming languages; however, the application has significantly broadened with advancements in natural language processing techniques.