etaoin shrdlu

[ et-ee-oin shurd-loo, -oh-in, ee-tee- ]

noun

1. the letters produced by running the finger down the first two vertical rows of keys at the left of the keyboard of a Linotype machine: used as a temporary marking slug or to indicate that an earlier mistake in the line necessitates resetting, but sometimes inadvertently cast and printed.

Word History and Origins

Origin of etaoin shrdlu¹

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

The Linotype machine was invented by a Latvian machinist named Etaoin Shrdlu.

From Washington Post

On that last night, Mr. Schlesinger became one of the “stars” of “Farewell, Etaoin Shrdlu,” a 29-minute documentary film with a title that Linotype operators would instantly recognize.

From New York Times

Striking the first 12 keys, which were in two columns at the left of the keyboard, “spelled” etaoin shrdlu.

From New York Times

“Farewell, Etaoin Shrdlu” takes its name from the unusual key alignment on the Linotype.

From New York Times

Sometimes, “etaoin shrdlu” was overlooked and made its way into the paper.

From New York Times