H

1. A simple markup language intended for quick conversion of existing text to hypertext.

2. A method of marking common words to call attention to the fact that they are being used in a nonstandard, ironic, or humorous way.

Originated in the fannish catchphrase “Bheer is the One True Ghod!” from decades ago.

H-infix marking of “Ghod” and other words spread into the 1960s counterculture via underground comix, and into early hackerdom either from the counterculture or from SF fandom (the three overlapped heavily at the time).

More recently, the h infix has become an expected feature of benchmark names (Dhrystone, Rhealstone, etc.); this follows on from the original Whetstone (the name of a laboratory) but may have been influenced by the fannish/counterculture h infix.

[Jargon File]