Dog Ears as Bookmarks: A Tradition with a Controversial Reputation
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Who isn't familiar with them: the folded corners in books known as dog ears? This improvised form of bookmark has a long history and evokes mixed reactions. But where does this special term come from, and why do people resort to using them?
Where does the name "Dog Ear" come from?
The term "dog ear" for folded page corners has a dual origin. On one hand, the shape of the fold resembles an ear, and on the other hand, the German equivalent "Eselsohr" (donkey's ear) includes a reference to "donkey" as a pejorative term, highlighting the negative perception of this practice. The term was already described in the German Dictionary by the Brothers Grimm as "folium libri complicatum, a marker in the read book by folding a corner of the page."
Between Practicality and Damage
Dog ears are evaluated differently. For many readers, they are a practical makeshift solution when no bookmark is at hand. Libraries and book lovers, however, consider them as damage to property. In public libraries, creating a page fold can even lead to the obligation to provide a replacement copy or reimburse the value of the book.
Who uses Dog Ears?
Dog ears are used by various groups of people:
- Casual readers without a bookmark at hand
- Students who want to mark important passages
- Hurried readers who want to quickly find their way back to the last page
- Historically, even business cards were deliberately folded to make them easier to pick up from silver trays
Why Dog Ears instead of Bookmarks?
The reasons for using dog ears instead of proper bookmarks are diverse:
- Spontaneity: When no bookmark is available
- Durability: Dog ears don't fall out of the book
- Multiple marking: You can mark different pages simultaneously
- Tradition: For some readers, dog ears are simply part of the reading experience
Conclusion: Practical, but Controversial
Dog ears remain a double-edged sword in reading culture. They offer a quick, uncomplicated solution for marking important passages, but are often viewed critically by librarians and book lovers. The old saying "It is rare to find a book without a dog ear" suggests that this practice will never completely disappear despite all criticism. Nevertheless, those who want to preserve their books should better resort to proper bookmarks.
