dotjes

Dotjes is a Dutch diminutive term referring to small circular marks, or little dots, used in a variety of design and communication contexts. The word combines dot with the diminutive suffix -je, yielding the plural dotjes and the singular dotje. In practice, dotjes describe simple, round glyphs that can function as decorative elements, punctuation, or markers.

Etymology and meaning. The noun derives from the Dutch word dot, meaning dot or point, with the common diminutive suffix -je. The form dotjes is typically used to denote multiple tiny dots or to refer to a collectively small set of dots. The term is mainly found in Dutch-language contexts and is often used informally or descriptively rather than as a formal typographic category.

Applications in typography and design. In graphic design and typography, dotjes are used as decorative accents, texture in patterns, or as subtle separators between sections. They can vary in size, color, and spacing to create different moods, from playful to understated. In print and digital media, dotjes may appear as bullets, filler marks in borders, or as background motifs to add visual interest without introducing complex imagery.

Digital interfaces and everyday use. In user interfaces, small circular indicators sometimes referred to colloquially as dotjes serve as status lights or notification markers, such as unread message indicators. In handwriting and school notebooks, dotjes frequently appear as simple marks to organize lists or to fill space.

See also. dot, bullet point, polka dot, dot plot.