Recently, I've noticed frequent use of the "word" thru, predominantly on street signs. Dictionary.com defines the word thru as "an informal, simplified spelling of 'through'. This is news to me as I never learned this in school and I'm sure would've been docked for incorrect spelling.  I wonder if this was introduced recently, and if so, what the reasoning is. Are we modifying the English language because we're lazy or just want it to conveniently fit on a street sign? This reminds me of simplified Chinese characters.


                

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Interesting note: Spellcheck didn't recognize 'thru'.