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Where have my colons gone?!

72 replies

BIWI · 12/10/2026 12:02

I've noticed recently that if you type a sentence that ends with a colon, if (e.g) you're linking to something, that once you press 'enter', the colon disappears.

I realise that this is most certainly not a first world problem, but for a grammar pedant it's troubling Grin

Incidentally, I've checked this on two different browsers (Safari and Brave) and the same thing happens.

OP posts:
fanOfBen · 13/10/2026 09:36

So glad it's not just me. I found I could copy and paste a colon in from elsewhere, but not type one. That's on a Windows machine, several browsers. I hope on my Android phone I don't have the same problem: correct? Correct.

WildBuilt · 13/10/2026 09:48

testing :

WildBuilt · 13/10/2026 09:49

Android phone here. Loving this :

Theresmagicwheretheflowersgrow · 13/10/2026 09:56

Testing this because I can't remember when I last used a colon: <-- there it is, Duck duck go.

BIWI · 13/10/2026 18:38

MNHQ clearly trying to eliminate colons by stealth, I fear.
Grin

OP posts:
SeasideWalkaroundStore · 13/10/2026 18:50

I've been having this colonic irritation as well - typing them and they sometimes appear, sometimes refuse to. I had also assumed it was a slightly dodgy keyboard, as I use a refurbed old laptop that 'has its moments'.

MrsBennetsPoorNervesAreBack · 13/10/2026 18:52

Feel compelled to test.

Conclusion:

Seems normal

BIWI · 13/10/2026 20:25

@SeasideWalkaroundStore massive round of applause for 'colonic irritation' Grin

OP posts:
BIWI · 13/10/2026 20:26

Let's see:

Aha. Working now! Tech obviously sneaked them back in.

OP posts:
Sherararara · 13/10/2026 20:26

My colon comes and goes. Guess it’s SEMI retired.

BIWI · 13/10/2026 20:27

Haev you seen a doctor about that @Sherararara?

OP posts:
AlexandraCarrington · 13/10/2026 20:52

:
: : :::
::
:
Back on the laptop, it will let me type colons with spaces between, and let me type a few together if I pause between typing them, but won't let me type several all at once.

sherbetlemonade · 13/10/2026 23:14

Right. Here goes:

Well I never. It's back.

BIWI · 13/10/2026 23:15

Let's see if you're right:

Indeed you are!

: : : : :

OP posts:
clary · 13/10/2026 23:35

Ah I also had this and it was driving me mad. I thought there was a problem with my Mac keyboard. But no, the colon is back: hurrah.

ifIwerenotanandroid · 13/10/2026 23:50

:
Ooh!

MyThreeWords · 14/10/2026 08:16

Testing:
:
Well: I can do colons after text now: but I can't do multiple colons all in a line:

Admittedly, I have no good reason to ever want to do this: but I'm outraged that this ability has been taken away from me. All to do with evil Mumsnet evilly wanting to make a profit I expect.

Perhaps colons have got more expensive to source. If petrochemicals are involved in their manufacture, Trump's Iran war will have made them very expensive.

MadnessInMyMethod · 14/10/2026 08:20

Testing, testing, 1, 2, 3:

:

:

Yes, I can type a colon now - not more than one in succession, but I can't imagine a punctuation scenario that would warrant multiple colons with nothing in between them.

KatyMumsnet · 14/10/2026 10:01

Thanks everyone for flagging this!

It was caused by a bug, which we fixed yesterday, so hopefully everything is back to normal now.

If you're still experiencing the issue, please let us know and we'll look into it.

Calliopespa · 14/10/2026 10:05

I've been having the same issue. I noticed it about two days ago.

Nonetheless, I did think this thread was going to be about IBS.

BIWI · 14/10/2026 11:57
Grin
OP posts:
GarlicEverything · 14/10/2026 12:02

KatyMumsnet · 14/10/2026 10:01

Thanks everyone for flagging this!

It was caused by a bug, which we fixed yesterday, so hopefully everything is back to normal now.

If you're still experiencing the issue, please let us know and we'll look into it.

Oh, good!

I've been having to ALT58 to get my colons where I want 'em! I learned the key combination especially, but will be very pleased to forget it again:
Like that!

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