Dashje

Dashje is a term used in typography and interface design to describe a lightweight dash character employed to separate items, indicate a transition, or mark subtle divisions in compact text. The word combines dash with the diminutive suffix -je, suggesting a small or nuanced dash. The concept is not widely standardized and tends to appear in exploratory design discussions rather than formal style guides.

Origins of the term are informal; it arose in online design communities during the 2020s as researchers and practitioners discussed alternative punctuation for microcopy and dashboards.

Characteristics of dashje include a short, primarily horizontal stroke shorter than a typical en dash, designed to be visually less intrusive. It is intended for use in short lines of text such as interface labels, tooltips, and captions, where a stronger separator would appear heavy.

Usage guidelines emphasize consistency in dashje size across a given project, sufficient contrast with surrounding text, and avoidance in long form paragraphs where ambiguity might arise. Accessibility considerations include ensuring screen readers can distinguish dashje from other punctuation and that its use does not impede clarity.

Criticism centers on potential ambiguity with hyphens, minus signs, and en/em dashes, as well as inconsistent support across fonts and systems. Proponents argue that dashje can improve readability in dense UIs by reducing visual clutter when used sparingly.

See also: dash, en dash, em dash, hyphen, punctuation.