Readers' Question: What does a circle for an i-dot mean?

We've all seen it, I'm sure: the i-dot that's drawn as a circle, or some other shape.

It is commonest amongst teenage girls, but can be found in the writing of either sex of any age.

A circle is the commonest, but other shapes also appear.

For example, actress, the late Jayne Mansfield (mother of "Law and Order" star Mariska Hargitay) used to put a heart shape for her i-dot.

So what does it mean?

Well, any drawn shape for an i-dot is a demand for attention. It says "notice me, I'm unique."

Some people may draw their i-dots in all their writing, some may only do it in the signature.

When it only appears in the signature, it indicates that this need for attention is part of their public image, and not necessarily part of their private personality.

Learn more about signatures.

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