Reverse dictionary request

January 11, 2013 6:35 AM

IS there a word for that method of counting where you draw four lines, then draw a diagonal when you get to five, and start a new group at six..?
posted by Abinadab to writing & language (10 answers total)

Tallying! Or tally marks.
posted by Joh at 6:35 AM on January 11 [9 favorites]

Hashes I would say or hashmarks.
posted by Iteki at 6:37 AM on January 11 [1 favorite]

Relevant Wikipedia article: Tally marks.
posted by griphus at 6:38 AM on January 11 [3 favorites]

Those are tally marks.
posted by SLC Mom at 6:55 AM on January 11

tally marking it does appear to be then, thanks folks.
posted by Abinadab at 6:57 AM on January 11

In Japan, they do it by drawing this kanji: 正
posted by Chocolate Pickle at 7:11 AM on January 11 [6 favorites]

It's an example of a unary numeral system (base one).
posted by grog at 7:12 AM on January 11 [1 favorite]

If you ever get to the Netherlands, the dutch word for this is Turven
posted by DreamerFi at 7:13 AM on January 11

Also, notches, if they're done on a wall... Or desk.
posted by TheSecretDecoderRing at 9:19 AM on January 11

Also known as five bar gate.
posted by scruss at 1:46 PM on January 11