I’m not going to try to interpret any of those enigmatic principles here; instead, I’d like to highlight some of the peculiarities of Microsoft Word’s AutoCorrect feature when it comes to capitalization.
Yes, one of the functions of AutoCorrect is to “correct” capitalization. This is incredibly useful (especially if you’re a little too quick and/or lazy with the shift keys). This, like all the other automatic fixes made by word processors, isn’t something you should take for granted.
- The majority of US states will be auto capitalized. Iowa, Maine, Ohio, and Texas, on the other hand, will not be. Keep an eye out for the “New” states as well as the compass points (north, south, and west).
- Many countries are reprimanded, but others are not. Pakistan is capitalized, but India is not (due to ink? ); Canada is capitalized, but Mexico is not; Iraq is capitalized, but Iran is not; Austria is capitalized, but Germany is not; Sweden is capitalized, but Finland is not.
- Only a few zodiac signs are capitalized automatically (Capricorn, Gemini, Sagittarius, Taurus).
- The names of a few of the planets are not capitalized. Mercury, Earth, and Mars (all of which have multiple meanings, so they’re hedging) make sense, but why Venus?
- In keeping with legend, the Greek gods have a tiny advantage over their Roman counterparts, with plenty of misses for both.
- Some public individuals are capitalized, while others are not. Not Fillmore, McKinley, or Kennedy (not Kennedy? ), but Nixon, Reagan, and Clinton. Really?). Vice presidents in the modern era do not do well. Romney receives autocorrection, but Obama does not, which is an annoying omission (but the note below might explain why).
- Corporations are covered in a variety of ways. Pepsi and Merck are good, but Exxon and Xerox aren’t. Verizon, Kroger, Pfizer, and Walgreen are among the Fortune 500 companies covered; McKesson, Boeing, and Humana are not.
- Similarly, brand names are up for grabs. For example, Tylenol is well-liked, although Advil and Nuprin are not.
- Does the use of fake names expose the programmers’ biases? AutoCorrect capitalizes several Tolkien names (Bilbo, Gandalf, Elrond, Rivendell…but not Mordor or Gondor); Star Wars names are capitalized similarly (it’s good to be Anakin or Chewbacca). AutoCorrect recognizes Hogwarts; unfortunately, Gormenghast does not.
To be clear, the preceding collection is not meant to be comprehensive. It’s just a collection of nonscientific observations. However, it exemplifies why turning down your intellect and relying solely on automation is never a good idea. And maybe, just maybe, you’ll find some amusement in this post.
NOTES: Capitalization isn’t the only issue with AutoCorrect. There are other “spellchecker errors” that need their own postings; this is likely to become its own category on this site over time.
Also, for the previous instances, I used Word 2007. Although Word 2010 would have been more suited, I was working with this version while creating this post. Many of the aforementioned inconsistencies may have been fixed in a subsequent version, but I’m confident that new quirks were created in their place.
In This Article...
What are the 12 signs of the zodiac?
Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces are the 12 zodiac signs in order. Each zodiac sign has a symbol that dates back to Middle Ages Greek manuscripts. Let’s look at the zodiac symbols, constellations, and qualities in more detail.
Aries (March 21-April 19)
The ram is the constellation that represents Aries, the first of the twelve zodiac signs. You are adventurous, active, ambitious, and competitive if you were born under this sign. Aries are recognized for their agility and leadership abilities, as well as a tendency to be impetuous and blunt (due to the “fire” aspect).
Taurus (April 20-May 20)
Taurus is the second of the twelve zodiac signs, and the constellation Taurus represents it. You are dedicated, dependable, focused, and creative if you were born under this sign. Tauruses are noted for their intelligence, trustworthiness, and stubbornness (the sign is a bull, after all). Tauruses are notorious for questioning authority and seeking pleasure.
Gemini (May 21-June 20)
The constellation Gemini, which is made up of the twins Castor and Pollux, represents Gemini, the third of the twelve zodiac signs. You are active, expressive, intellectual, and playful if you were born under this sign. Geminis are recognized for their gregarious personalities and diverse interests, yet they have a (probably undeserved) reputation for being duplicitous.
Cancer (June 21-July 22)
The constellation Cancer, which is most typically pictured as a crab, represents Cancer, the fourth of the twelve zodiac signs. If you were born under this sign, you are brave, empathetic, protective, and perceptive. Cancers are noted for their tendency to be remote and passive-aggressive, as well as their caring nature.
Leo (July 23-August 22)
The lion is the constellation that represents Leo, the fifth of the twelve zodiac signs. You are vivacious, extroverted, and fiery if you were born under this sign. Leos are recognized for their warm personalities and great self-esteem, although they can be proud or jealous at times.
Virgo (August 23-September 22)
The virgin is the constellation that represents Virgo, the sixth of the twelve zodiac signs. You are practical, analytical, and sophisticated if you were born under this sign. Virgos are recognized for their generosity and meticulous attention to detail, yet they may also be introverted and have unrealistic expectations for themselves and their loved ones.
Libra (September 23-October 22)
The scales, the only inanimate constellation, represents Libra, the seventh of the twelve zodiac signs. You are thought to be balanced, social, and diplomatic if you were born under this sign. Libras are recognized for their selflessness and camaraderie, although they can be overly pragmatic and insecure at times.
Scorpio (October 23-November 21)
Scorpio is the eighth of the twelve zodiac signs, and it is symbolized by the scorpion constellation. You are loyal, resourceful, and dedicated if you were born under this sign. Scorpios are recognized for their boldness and pioneering spirit, but they may be abrasive and walled off to strangers.
Sagittarius (November 22-December 21)
The archer is the constellation that represents Sagittarius, the ninth of the twelve zodiac signs. If you were born under this sign, you are cheerful, self-reliant, and intellectual. Sagittariuses are noted for their magnetic qualities and generosity, yet they can also be arrogant and direct.
Capricorn (December 22-January 19)
Capricorn is the tenth of the twelve zodiac signs, and it is symbolized by the sea goat constellation. If you were born under this sign, you are patient, hardworking, and disciplined. Capricorns are recognized for their tenacity and fondness for boundaries and regulations, but they may be stubborn and too concerned with perfection.
Aquarius (January 20-February 18)
Aquarius is the eleventh of the twelve zodiac signs, and it is symbolized by the water carrier constellation. If you were born under this sign, you are thought to be creative, loyal, and unique. Aquariuses are recognized for their rebellious temperament and ingenuity, but they can be aloof and unyielding with loved ones.
Pisces (February 19-March 20)
Pisces is the last of the twelve zodiac signs, and it is symbolized by the fishes constellation. You are intuitive, artistic, and sympathetic if you were born under this sign. Pisces are famed for their empathy and artistic abilities, yet they can also be overly sensitive or delusional.
Is Virgo a sign of virginity?
The Virgin is the symbol of Virgo, the sixth zodiac sign (August 22 to September 22). Virgo (or Kanya in Vedic astrology) is a changeable earth sign ruled by Mercury. It is typically associated with precision, analytical thinking, service, and harvesting.
What are the three zodiac signs that are extremely rare?
Some may consider this sign to be the rarest because it is rarely utilized, but when most people ask which signs are the most and least common, they truly mean within the range of the 12 zodiac signs we are most familiar with.
Alicia Keys, Paul Newman, Jackie Robinson, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Galileo Galilei, Shakira, Corazon Aquino, Toni Morrison, Laura Dern, and others are all notable Aquarians.
Which zodiac is the most intelligent?
Aquarius is the zodiac sign with the highest intelligence. Uranus, the planet of invention, creativity, and expanded consciousness, rules them. As a result, this air sign does more than just process information and spit it back out: they evaluate, comprehend, and expand on it. “They’re creative, unconventional, and frequently ahead of their time,” Kovach adds. “They have a good understanding of how upcoming trends work and may have a picture of the future that others don’t.”