Underscore Symbol (_) – Meaning, Definition, How to Type & Usage Guide

The underscore symbol (_) is one of the most widely used characters on the keyboard, yet it often confuses people. Known by many names — underscore, low dash, guion bajo (Spanish), barra baja (Spanish), tiret du bas (French), unterstrich (German) — it plays an important role in writing, computing, filenames, programming, and online communication.

This guide explains the underscore meaning, definition, symbol, synonyms, and practical usage so you’ll never be confused about it again.

What Is an Underscore?

An underscore symbol _ is a simple yet versatile symbol used to separate words or phrases in various contexts. It appears as a horizontal line “_” and is typically located above the hyphen (-) key on most keyboards.

Underscore Symbol Representation

• ASCII: 95
• Unicode: U+005F
• Typographic name: “Low Line”

Underscore Meaning in Everyday Use

The meaning of underscore depends on context:

1. Computing: Replaces spaces in filenames or usernames (e.g., my_resume.pdf).
2. Text formatting: Historically used on typewriters to “underline” words (e.g., _word_).
3. Emphasis in writing: Underscoring means placing importance on something (“This underscores the importance of clarity”).
4. Placeholder characters in forms and passwords (e.g., ____)
5. Programming: Used in variable names (user_name) and as a special symbol in languages like Python (__init__).

Underscore Copy Paste

How to Make Underscore (Keyboard Shortcut & Device Tips)

The underscore shares a key with the hyphen (-) on most keyboards. Unlike the hyphen, typing an underscore requires holding the Shift key.

Windows & Mac

• Press Shift + Hyphen (-) = _
• Key location: Right of the “0” (zero) key

Mobile Devices

• iPhone/Android:
  1. Tap ?123 on the keyboard.
  2. Look for _ in the symbols section.

Underscore Symbol on Keyboard

Since it requires the Shift key, beginners often confuse it with hyphen. Remember:

• - (hyphen) = without Shift.
• _ (underscore) = with Shift.

Underscore vs Hyphen – When to Use Which

Visual Difference

• Hyphen (-): Short, placed mid-text.
• Underscore (_): Longer, placed below text.

Usage Differences in Writing

• Hyphen: joins words or breaks syllables (well-known, long-term).
• Underscore: Rarely used in formal writing.

In Technology

• URLs – Hyphens are strongly recommended and treat hyphens as word separators but not underscores.
  • Example: file-name.html (good) vs file_name.html (less ideal).
• Filenames & Usernames: Underscores are more common, especially where spaces are not allowed.

Underscored and Underscoring Meaning (Verb Usage)

The word underscore is also used as a verb in English.

• Underscored meaning: Something that was emphasized or highlighted.
  • Example: “The study underscored the dangers of pollution.”
• Underscoring meaning: The act of emphasizing.
  • Example: “She kept underscoring the importance of practice.”

Underscore Synonyms in English and Other Languages

The underscore has many synonyms depending on the context or language.

Common Synonyms (English)

• Low line
• Low dash
• Horizontal bar
• Underscore sign

In Other Languages

• Spanish: guion bajo or barra baja
• French: tiret du bas
• German: unterstrich
• Chinese: 下划线 (xià huà xiàn)

How to Underscore in Google Docs

To insert underscore in your Google Docs document, follow these steps:

1. Type the text that you want to underscore.
2. Now go to “Insert” → “Special characters“
3. Type “low line” in the search box
4. Select the “Underscore” from the list to appear in Google Docs