Glosse

Glosse is a term used in several related but distinct domains. Its etymology traces to Latin glossa, from Greek glōssa meaning tongue or language, and it has come to denote explanatory or interpretive material attached to a text.

In linguistics the term gloss (also spelled glosse in some contexts) refers to a translation or explanation linked to a word or phrase in a source text. A common practice is interlinear glossing, where the original text, a word-by-word gloss (often morpheme-by-morpheme), and a natural translation are presented in parallel lines to aid linguistic analysis.

Historically, glosses were marginal notes in manuscripts that explained or translated Latin words for readers of vernacular texts. Over time glosses were collected into glossaries or used to annotate biblical and classical works, contributing to the study of philology and textual criticism.

In German and Dutch journalism the word glosse designates a short, often witty or satirical column or commentary on current events. Such pieces are typically concise, opinionated, and stylistically distinct from straight news reporting, serving to critique or illuminate public affairs with a distinctive voice.

Although related, gloss and glosse differ by language and context. In English the form gloss is common for annotations and translations, while glosse appears primarily as a loanword in prestige or linguistic discussions and in Germanic journalism.