Wingding Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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wingding

[ˈwɪŋˌdɪŋ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

font type

Wingdings is a font that uses symbols and pictograms instead of traditional alphanumeric characters. It was designed in 1990 by Microsoft and is often used in graphic design and informal communication. The font includes various icons such as arrows, stars, and other shapes, making it popular for creating visual representations.

Synonyms

pictogram font, symbol font.

Examples of usage

  • I used Wingdings to add some icons to my presentation.
  • The document had a lot of Wingdings for decoration.
  • Can you read the Wingdings in this message?
  • I often use Wingdings for fun notes and invitations.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • 'Wingding' became popularized in the 1970s and 80s, often used to describe events from lively dance parties to festive gatherings in movies and music.
  • The term often appears in songs and media to convey the idea of a fun and carefree atmosphere.
  • Certain cartoons and comedic shows might use 'wingding' in punchlines to emphasize wildness or chaos during parties.

Science

  • Celebratory gatherings have been studied for their psychological effects, showing that events described as 'wingdings' increase happiness and social bonding.
  • Parties can boost endorphins and oxytocin, hormones associated with feelings of joy and connection, reinforcing the idea of a 'wingding'.
  • Lively social interactions are crucial for mental health, demonstrating the importance of community celebrations.

Literature

  • In literature, 'wingding' can symbolize escapism, representing the desire to break free from routine through thrilling celebrations.
  • Writers often use 'wingding' to create a vibrant, exaggerated atmosphere, enhancing the story's excitement and character interactions.
  • The character of the 'wingding' often exemplifies spontaneity, spontaneity in stories reflecting themes of freedom and indulgence.

Origin of 'wingding'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'wingding' has origins linked to the early 20th century and may come from the combination of 'wing', implying flight, and 'ding', which suggests a fun sound.
  • Another theory suggests it derives from the playful nature of the word itself, emphasizing joy and revelry.
  • The first recorded use of 'wingding' as described in a party context was in the 1960s in American slang.

The name 'Wingdings' was coined in the late 1980s and is believed to be a playful reference to the appearance of flying wings in many of its symbols. The font was developed by design engineer Charles Bigelow and typographer Kris Holmes under the Microsoft umbrella. It was initially aimed at offering a novel way to embellish text documents with graphic elements. Since its introduction, Wingdings has been associated with fun and creativity, often appearing in personal stationery, invitations, and graphic design. Over the years, it has sparked a blend of admiration for its creative potential and criticism for being impractical in formal communication, as the symbols' meanings can be ambiguous or misunderstood without context. Despite this, Wingdings has maintained a spot in various software applications, frequently being utilized to create eye-catching designs.