Ambigram

As ambigram (from Latin ambo = both and the Greek gramma = writing) is commonly referred lettering or a symmetrical symbol of what or which by a certain angle (usually 180 ° ) is again rotated the same lettering or the same symbol results. In the literal sense, it is writing that can be read by both predetermined angles.

Definition

The whole meaning of the term ambigram goes beyond the usual name, as defined Douglas Hofstadter in 1987 as follows:

"An ambigram is a visual pun of a special kind: a calligraphic design having two or more (clear) interpretations as written words. One can voluntarily jump back and forth in between the rival readings Usually by shifting one's physical point of view (moving the design in some way) but sometimes by simply old ring one's perceptual bias towards a design ( clicking on internal mental switch, so to speak ). Sometimes the readings will say identical things, sometimes theywill say different things. "

Translation into German:

"An ambigram is a visual pun of a special kind: a calligraphic work has two or more ( clear ) readings. One can distinguish between the different interpretations by changing the physical viewpoint (movement of calligraphy) to be changed, but sometimes reaches a rethink (sort of an inner, mental flip the switch ). The readings are either identical or contain different statements. "

In ambigrams, where a ' mental switch ' must be allocated to allow for a different interpretation, it is the calligraphic counterpart to the picture puzzle.

Ambigram can be defined as a typographical creation that allows two or more interpretations of a new lettering.

A special form is the Spinonym (derived from the English (to) spin = spin ), in which the individual characters are rotated.

Classification and structure

An ambigram can, but need not also be a palindrome. There is graphically customized ambigrams or real Schriftambigramme. With a graphical font change can be almost any word ambigram form. There are also ambigrams where a graphical adjustment of the font is not required. Examples include words such as opodo, pod, nuonu, NOON, or SOS, XOX and WM. Often these fancy names make no or little sense, but are often used as a brand or company name. To use a real ambigram expression is most are case -sensitive and suitable fonts. Suitable letters: B, D, l, m, n, o, p, q, s, u, w, x, y, z, H, I, N, M, O, P, S, U, W, X, Y and Z.

But even with numbers can make an ambigram. Here are: 0, 1 (without spread and serif ), 8, 6 and 9 Examples of rotating numbers are 0, 1, 8, 11, 69, 88, 96, 101, 111, 181, 609, 619, 689, 808, 818, 888, 906, 916, 986, 1001, etc. (see sequence A000787 in OEIS )

History

Peter Newell published in 1893 the first known ambigram THE END / PUZZLE.

The term " ambigram " was first used by Douglas Hofstadter, who attributes to him one of his friends (Book: Metamagical theme, 1985).

Examples

Ambigrams have increased advertising effect, since products can be read the same from different sides. Ambigrams play a large role in the novel Angels & Demons by Dan Brown. The last name of the person Emma Zunz in Jorge Luis Borges ' short story of the same name is an ambigram. Many logos are designed as ambigrams, such as the logo of SUN, or the logo of the American hip -hop label Blacksmith Records.

Illuminati ambigram

The word " duality " as ambigram

The word " Yeah" as ambigram

A graphic in the style of the envelope of Godel, Escher, Bach: a three-dimensional ambigram of the letters A, B and C. In the mean shape can be individually read each letter, depending on the visual axis.

A practical application of a Ambigramms in a less transparent for the wind -prone Idaplatz - Quarter Festival in Zurich 2008 ( mirror images )