Why is it that when people shorten ‘transgender,’ they add an asterisk to it?
This is a highly educated guess, but I believe it's because an * , in computer lingo, is also a "wild card", meaning that it can take the place of one, or several letters. In this case, the person could be talking about transGENDER or transSEXUAL people, so they shorten it, to trans*
The Short Answer
This is a highly educated guess, but I believe it's because an * , in computer lingo, is also a "wild card", meaning that it can take the place of one, or several letters. In this case, the person could be talking about transGENDER or transSEXUAL people, so they shorten it, to trans*
Analysis
Key Concepts: Highly, educated, guess
This explanation focuses on highly, educated, guess and spans 51 words across 2 sentences. At 25% below the average General Knowledge explanation (68 words), the answer takes a direct, no-frills approach — sometimes the simplest explanation is the most effective.
What This Answer Covers
This is a focused, single-point answer that gets directly to the core of the question without detours.
How This Compares in General Knowledge
Ranked #290 of 500 General Knowledge questions by answer depth (top 59%). This is in the concise tier — a focused explanation that prioritizes clarity over exhaustiveness. Many readers prefer this level of directness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a simple explanation for why it that when people shorten 'transgender,' they add an asterisk to it?
This is a highly educated guess, but I believe it's because an * , in computer lingo, is also a "wild card", meaning that it can take the place of one, or several letters. In this case, the person could be talking about transGENDER or transSEXUAL…
How detailed is this explanation compared to similar General Knowledge questions?
This is a focused answer at 51 words, ranked #290 of 500 General Knowledge questions by depth. The key concepts covered are highly, educated, guess.
What approach does this answer take to explain it that when people shorten 'transgender,' they add an aster?
The explanation uses root cause analysis and contrasting perspectives across 51 words. It is categorized under General Knowledge and addresses the question through 2 analytical lenses.