cantype

Cantype is a term that appears sporadically in typography and technology but lacks a single, widely accepted definition. In established references, cantype is not recognized as a formal category, and discussions about the term are rare and typically informal or historical.

Within typography, cantype is sometimes described in informal contexts as referring to letterforms that are slanted or oblique. This usage overlaps with oblique type and is distinct from true italic faces, where the shapes of individual letters are altered. Because cantype is not part of standard nomenclature, its precise meaning varies by source, and reliability is limited.

In computing and digital culture, cantype has appeared as a project name, a file label, or a nickname in small, niche communities. In those contexts, the term usually has little to do with typography beyond a potential metaphorical sense of tilt or slant.

Due to its inconsistent usage and lack of authoritative sourcing, cantype should be interpreted with caution. When encountered, it is best to examine the context to determine whether it refers to an informal typographic concept, a software project, or something else entirely. The etymology is unclear, and there is no consensus among linguists or typographers.

See also: Italic type, Oblique type, Typography, Typeface, Font rendering.