The Strange Origins and History Behind the Letter W Explained

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The letter W stands out as one of the most unusual characters in the English alphabet, with a quirky history that sets it apart from other letters. Unlike most letters, W is the only one whose name describes its shape, being literally a 'double U.' Its origins trace back through medieval scribes who began doubling the letter U or V to represent a distinct sound in Germanic languages. The letter arrived relatively late into the standardized Latin alphabet, making it an outlier among its peers. A new piece in Literary Hub explores this overlooked linguistic history, shedding light on how W earned its odd place in the modern alphabet.

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