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283 points IdealeZahlen | 1 comments | | HN request time: 0.001s | source
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non- ◴[] No.42139412[source]
One thing I've always struggled with Math is keeping track of symbols I don't know the name of yet.

Googling for "Math squiggle that looks like a cursive P" is not a very elegant or convenient way of learning new symbol names.

I wish every proof or equation came with a little table that gave the English pronunciation and some context for each symbol used.

It would make it a lot easier to look up tutorials & ask questions.

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pflenker ◴[] No.42139503[source]
I can relate. Ages ago, before Safe Search and search result tailored to one‘s history and preferences, I was trying to figure out how to write that big union symbol (∪) in LaTeX and googled for Big Cup LaTeX. I got _very_ different and unexpected results.
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ssl-3 ◴[] No.42143738[source]
Eons ago, I was exploring ways to run some outdoor overhead wire between my house and the shed.

One method I considered involved using those little self-wedging widgets that squeeze down tighter as the thing being suspended is pulled harder. (These widgets were once commonly used with overhead POTS telephone lines.)

So I asked around and the broad consensus in my area was that one of these widgets is called a "horse cock."

And while everyone who knew what I was talking could say it with a very straight face, I did not even bother with trying to Google "horse cock" before deciding to go in a different direction with that project.

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gnopgnip ◴[] No.42145334[source]
Is that the same as a kellums grip or hubbell device?
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1. ssl-3 ◴[] No.42153762[source]
A Kellems grip is a Chinese finger trap-like thing made with steel wire. Those are useful, but are very different from a horse cock.

A horse cock can also be known as an overhead service entrance wedge clamp, which is a surprising mouthful of nomenclature given the parlancial context.

(I don't know what a Hubbell device is -- searching for that just brings up a million wiring devices (outlets, switches, and such) made by Hubbell.

But maybe that's the point?)