Some Composing Room Terms

Abstract

AS MIGHT be expected by anyone who is familiar with linguistic phenomena, the mechanization of the printing industry has resulted in a metamorphosis of its terminology. Since the invention of typesetting machinery a new generation of printers has arisen. To many of this younger generation some of the old hand-set terms are often unfamiliar. Likewise, there are a few old timers who have not become acquainted with many of the newer terms. Because new methods have abolished their active functions, many of the older terms are rapidly disappearing. To illustrate, the term coffin was originally used for the frame in which the bed of the press or the imposing stone was fitted. A paper cone for holding spaces or type was also a coffin. All of these situations have been eliminated by the use of steel composing tables, steel presses, and the linotype. Before 19oo, the time at which mechanical typesetting devices began to come into general use, wandering printers had fairly well standardized the terms used in the English-speaking countries. The better workmen among these traveling printers were called tourist printers; the poor or lazy ones were hobos. The latter soon found the light turned out over their cases.? With greater specialization, both types have disappeared. As a result there is a divergence of new terms for the same process or device in different localities, and even some of the old terms are beginning to take on connotations peculiar to particular areas. In this study an attempt has been made to notice and account for some of these innovations in terms and