Shorthand is a system of rapid writing that uses symbols, abbreviations, or simplified letters to capture words and phrases much faster than regular writing. Before recording devices existed, court reporters and journalists used shorthand to keep up with speakers, transforming flowing speech into pages of strange squiggles that looked nothing like regular writing. A skilled shorthand writer could capture every word of a speech or trial, then translate those symbols back into normal text later.

One famous shorthand system, called Gregg shorthand, uses flowing curves that can be written three to four times faster than longhand. Imagine trying to write down everything your teacher says during a lecture: your hand would cramp up and you'd fall behind. With shorthand, secretaries once transcribed entire business meetings without missing a word.

Today, most people use shorthand more loosely to mean any quick way of writing or communicating. When you write “btw” instead of “by the way” in a text message, you're using a kind of shorthand. Scientists use mathematical shorthand filled with symbols. Musicians read a shorthand of notes on a staff. Even saying “I'll explain the shorthand version” means you'll give the quick, simplified explanation rather than every single detail.