Compared to fountain pens and ballpoints, "Sharpies" are actually the least sharp pen type.

AbouBenAdhem@lemmy.world to Showerthoughts@lemmy.world – 230 points –
12

Old guy here. Notice how highlighters dont have a pointed tip, but rather a slanted rectange. Black markers used to be like that. If you wanted a smaller line you had to angle it and use one of the corners.

Then sharpies came along with the pointed tip and everbody bought those instead. I cant remember seeing the old type any time recently, but I expect the crafts section would still have them.

They're meant to be compared to other felt tipped pens I think

Traditional size and sheep Sharpies are not pent their markers and yes compared to other markers they are Sharp

I suppose their name could also be meant to imply that they're meant for sharp people, to write down ideas with.

However, in all my time in meetings I would say they're rather meant to write ideas on flipcharts with that'll lead to a sharp decline in business value. 😑

It seems that the etymology isn't on Wikipedia. I'd assume the name is in reference to sharp lines that you can write or draw with it.