italics

English

Noun

italics

1. (typography, plural only) letters in an italic typeface.

   There is no need to put the whole paragraph in italics.

2. (usually plural but sometimes singular in construction) Plural form of italic exaggerated intonation or some similar oral speech device by which one or more words is heavily and usually affectedly emphasized or otherwise given sharp prominence
   • Margaret Long:

     was yapping, her silly voice fraught with italics.

   • W.J.Locke:

     a woman who has an irritating way of speaking in italics

Translations

See also

• italic