Interrobang Redux?!
Sometimes, when people disagree, we shout at one another, as shown writing by an exclamation point (!). Sometimes, we ask each other questions, denoted by a question mark (?). Sometimes we do both at once, and aren’t sure which piece of punctuation to use. This is especially true when the question is rhetorical.
The accepted literary solution to this problem is narrator intrusion:
“What is your fucking problem?” he screamed.
This is a perfectly acceptable solution, and one often required in order to provide more detailed emotional information.
However, there is a school of thought that says sometimes, that extra information is unneeded, in which case you’re wasting characters, and it is acceptable to go with the more informal:
“What is your fucking problem?!”
This is known as the interrobang. By simply combining the two pieces of punctuation, you get all the impact of both without needing extra words. I’m not sure how far back this solution dates. Wikipedia describes a combined symbol that was created in 1962, but I would wager using the two symbols together dates back further, to the origin of comics, at least, where authors needed to conserve space to make room for art, but also had the advantage of that art and word balloons to denote speaker and emotion.
For decades now, “low” forms of literature, advertisements, low budget fanzines, dimestore novels, etc., always pressed for space, have adopted the shortcut, and it was widely popularized in the last 20 years by common e-mail and text message usage.
Granted, this parlance has also brought us such wonders as :), omg, lol, ~@, <3, and wtf.
Or WTF!?
To a modern reader, these shortcuts contain a wealth of information, but they are also considered cutesy, their use considered beneath “high” literature. Most editors don’t want to soil prose novels by bathing in that kiddie pool, and in this I generally agree. But I think there are a few fish in that pool we can catch, wash the pee off of, and transplant to the adult pool, making fishing more delicious to our adult palates. Because that’s how literary evolution has always worked. Remember when it was taboo to use “ain’t”?
So I say we should open our doors, let the interrobang in, and just make sure he washes his hands before dinner and brushes his teeth after. He ain’t hurtin’ no one, no matter what those stodgy old 50’s proofreading books we still adhere to say.
However, amongst the hordes of publishing professionals I know, including many of my own friends and family, there is division on this issue, with the majority in favor of the status quo. Many times I feel like I am a lonely voice, shouting in the dark.
Loyal Peephole readers may recall that I whined about this the last time I was editing a book, and it sparked something of a debate. Now that I’m in editing mode again, let’s test the water once more.
Anyone out there want to weigh in? Can I get some love for the interrobang, or y’all still hatin’?
I am pleased to report that I have on my desk a signed film option contract with a major Hollywood director for