Gwiazdka

Gwiazdka is a Polish noun meaning "little star." It is the diminutive form of gwiazda (star) and is used both in literal senses for a small star and in figurative or affectionate contexts. The form also serves as a common term for star-shaped objects and symbols.

Typographically, gwiazdka refers to the asterisk (*) and to related marks. In Polish typography and on computer keyboards, the symbol is colloquially called gwiazdka. In computing, the character functions as a wildcard in search patterns and as an operator in various programming languages. The term can also refer to the asterisk used to mark footnotes or to censor portions of text in some styles.

Gwiazdka is frequently used in decorative and cultural contexts to describe star-shaped ornaments, including those used in Christmas decorations, as well as general decorative motifs. It is also used metaphorically or affectionately to describe a person or object as a "little star."

Related forms include gwiazdeczka, another diminutive of gwiazda with a softer nuance.