Why do Americans call hash pounds?

The alternative naming of the hash key as "pound" stems from the intricacies of computer coding. Specifically, it's rooted in the ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange) system, which is a fundamental aspect of how characters are represented within computers.

Within the ASCII table, each character is assigned a unique numeric code. For instance, the hash key (#), when the keyboard layout is set to "American" during PC configuration, corresponds to ASCII code 96. However, the interpretation of this code varies depending on the keyboard's regional settings.

When the keyboard layout is configured for "British" use, ASCII code 96 takes on a different visual form—the pound sign (£). This discrepancy in representation underscores the importance of regional settings in determining how characters are rendered on a computer screen.

The use of the term "pound" as an alternative name for the hash key highlights the global nature of computing and the need for flexibility in accommodating diverse user preferences and linguistic conventions. It serves as a reminder that even the most basic elements of digital communication are shaped by cultural and linguistic contexts.

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