Symbol jargon

Symbols have a variety of names, some functional, some historical, some humorous. For example, # might be called “number sign”, “octothorpe”, “fence,” etc. You can find an extensive list here.

Below is my abbreviated and idiosyncratic list, terms I use instinctively that may require some explanation.

    !   bang                   
    |   pipe                   
    #   pound                  
    `   back tick              
    ^   caret, exponent
    _   underscore, subscript
    \   back slash, escape             
    /   (forward) slash          
    [   open (square) bracket  
    ]   close (square) bracket 
    {   open (curly) brace     
    }   close (curly) brace