The dot over the letters 'i' and 'j' is called a 'tittle'.

Why this works

At first glance, this riddle might seem to be a simple fact about typography, but it cleverly invites us to delve into the nuances of language and history. The term 'tittle' refers specifically to those tiny dots that adorn the letters 'i' and 'j,' which are often overlooked but play a crucial role in distinguishing these letters from others. The magic happens when we uncover the word's etymology; it traces back to the Latin 'titulus,' meaning inscription or heading, tying it to the importance of detail in written communication. This connection extends to the phrase "every jot and tittle," which emphasizes the significance of even the smallest elements in a text. It’s a delightful reminder of how language evolves and how terms we might take for granted are steeped in rich history. The cleverness of this riddle lies in its ability to turn our attention to something so small yet so vital, prompting an “aha moment” when we realize the depth behind a seemingly trivial detail. As a fun tidbit, did you know that in the world of typography, there are various terms like 'serif' and 'sans-serif' that describe different styles of font? Each of these choices can significantly affect how a text is perceived, just as the tittle affects the letters it adorns. So next time you write or type, remember the humble tittle and the history that comes with it!