punctitis

Punctitis is a term sometimes used informally to describe the subjective feeling of irritation or distress caused by the overuse or misuse of punctuation marks. While not a recognized medical or psychological disorder, it refers to a personal sensitivity to grammatical and stylistic errors, particularly those involving commas, apostrophes, and quotation marks. Individuals experiencing punctitis might find themselves noticing and being bothered by incorrect punctuation in written text, ranging from informal online communications to published works.

The perceived "offense" of incorrect punctuation can vary widely. For some, it may be a minor annoyance, while for others, it can significantly detract from the readability or perceived credibility of the text. This sensitivity is often linked to a strong understanding of grammar rules and a preference for clear, precise communication. It can sometimes be a source of frustration when encountering writing that deviates from these standards.

There is no formal diagnosis or treatment for punctitis, as it is not a pathological condition. It is more accurately described as a personal characteristic or a heightened awareness of linguistic conventions. Efforts to address it would typically involve improving one's own grammar and punctuation skills or developing coping mechanisms for dealing with perceived errors in others' writing.