Comma-Sexting

In "Take a Break," Angelica Schuyler, Alexander Hamilton’s sister-in-law and close friend, confronts him about a letter he sent. She teases, “In a letter I received from you two weeks ago, I noticed a comma in the middle of a phrase. It changed the meaning. Did you intend this?” She continues, “In your letter, you wrote, ‘My dearest Angelica.’ With a comma after ‘dearest’, you’ve written ‘My dearest, Angelica.’”

This small punctuation choice turns a simple address into a suggestive note. Without the comma, "My dearest Angelica" is merely a term of endearment, indicating Angelica is dear to Hamilton. However, when the comma is introduced, "My dearest, Angelica" transforms the meaning entirely, insinuating that Angelica is, in fact, Hamilton's dearest person of all.

The impact of this single comma underscores the incredible power of punctuation in language. Punctuation is not merely functional; it carries emotional and connotative weight. The change in meaning produced by a comma, whether intentional or accidental, can be significant. This "comma-sext" in Hamilton highlights how nuanced and delicate our written communications can be and how even minor details can have more significant implications.

While "Take a Break" is a famous example, linguists, writers, and grammar enthusiasts have long discussed comma placement. One often-cited example of the power of comma placement is the difference between "Let's eat, Grandma!" and "Let's eat Grandma!" The former invites Grandma to join in a meal, while the latter has darker, cannibalistic implications. This example, while humorous, showcases the essential role punctuation plays in clarity and intention.

In today’s digital age, where text messaging and online communication dominate, the precision of punctuation has become even more critical. A misplaced period or omitted comma can lead to miscommunications, misunderstandings, or unintended innuendos. Just as Angelica points out the implications of Hamilton's comma choice, modern readers may infer different meanings based on punctuation.

The "comma-sext" in "Take a Break" is not just a playful moment in a musical; it serves as a reminder of the power and importance of punctuation in language. Understanding and appreciating these nuances becomes paramount as communication evolves in the digital age. After all, as seen in "Hamilton," a simple comma can change everything.