feature key
n. The Macintosh key with the cloverleaf graphic on
its keytop; sometimes referred to as `flower', `pretzel',
`clover', `propeller', `beanie' (an apparent reference to the
major feature of a propeller beanie),
splat, or the `command
key'. The Mac's equivalent of an
alt key. The proliferation
of terms for this creature may illustrate one subtle peril of
iconic interfaces.
Many people have been mystified by the cloverleaf-like symbol that
appears on the feature key. Its oldest name is `cross of St.
Hannes', but it occurs in pre-Christian Viking art as a decorative
motif. Throughout Scandinavia today the road agencies use it to
mark sites of historical interest. Many of these are old churches;
hence, the Swedish idiom for the symbol is `kyrka', cognate to
English `church' and Scots-dialect `kirk' but pronounced
/shir'k*/ in modern Swedish. This is in fact where Apple got the
symbol; they give the translation "interesting feature"!
