Caps Lock: what is caps lock and how to write in all caps correctly?
Google has already removed this key from Chromebooks, and the German keyboard standard DIN 2137 has made it completely optional for manufacturers since 2023. But while some tech companies want to get rid of it, millions of people continue to use it — to "sh...
Google has already removed this key from Chromebooks, and the German keyboard standard DIN 2137 has made it completely optional for manufacturers since 2023. But while some tech companies want to get rid of it, millions of people continue to use it — to "shout" something in an internet chat.
What is Caps Lock?
Caps Lock (from English Caps Lock, "capital letter lock") — a key on the keyboard that switches the text input mode to all capital letters. In slang usage, "writing in caps" means typing messages IN CAPITAL LETTERS — mainly to emphasize text or convey a heightened tone.
What does "caps" mean in simple words?
In simple words: caps = text in capital letters. "Wrote in caps" literally means "typed everything in capital letters," often to show shouting, irritation, or strong emotion.
Where does the Caps Lock key come from?
The key traces its lineage back to typewriters, where each key had two letters — uppercase and lowercase — and to type in uppercase, you had to hold down the Shift key. Since on mechanical typewriters, Shift required noticeable physical effort, they invented Shift Lock — a lock that held the case without needing to keep the key pressed down with a finger all the time. This was the direct predecessor of the modern Caps Lock, which transitioned to computer keyboards practically unchanged in its function.
Why is Caps Lock considered outdated?
According to English Wikipedia, there is now a whole movement to abolish this key. Activist Peter Gintjens even founded an organization called "Capsoff," which calls on manufacturers to remove Caps Lock from keyboards altogether. Google has already removed this key from Chromebooks, replacing it with a search button. And in Germany, the keyboard standard DIN 2137-01:2023-08 allows manufacturers to make this function optional since 2023.
The reason is simple: in most modern text fields, capital letters are more of a hindrance (an accidentally pressed key breaks all the typed text) than a help, and the function of "highlighting text" has long been performed by other tools — bold font, emojis, italics.
Why is writing in caps considered unethical?
In informal internet etiquette, text IN CAPITAL LETTERS is traditionally equated with shouting. This rule was established back in the days of forums and early chats and remains valid: solid caps in a message are read as a raised tone, aggression, or an attempt to attract attention through loudness rather than content.
When is caps appropriate?
One or two words for strong emphasis: "This is VERY important."
Acronyms and names that are already written in capital letters (NATO, UN).
Clear joke or self-irony, where all caps is part of the game, not an attempt to outshout someone.
Examples of usage
"Don't write in caps, I'm not deaf."
"THIS IS THE BEST DAY OF MY LIFE!!!" (justified — strong emotion, briefly)
"WHY IS EVERYONE IGNORING ME" (a typical example of caps read as aggression)
Interestingly, there is even an unofficial "International Caps Lock Day" — it was invented in 2000 on the MetaFilter forum as a joke and is celebrated twice a year, on June 28 and October 22. The June date appeared later — in honor of American television host Billy Mays, who became famous for commercials where he literally shouted about products. Even the humorous holiday about Caps Lock is somehow tied to shouting.
A feature is a slang word that is often heard in technical environments, for example, among programmers or developers. If you translate the feature literally, it means “characte...
