interrobang

noun

1. The nonstandard punctuation mark ⟨‽⟩ (a combination of ⟨?⟩ and ⟨!⟩), which may be used at the end of a sentence to express excitement or disbelief, or to indicate that it is a rhetorical question.

   “Introduce the notion of combining punctuation marks in new ways. Explain the Interabang and its use as a nonstandard punctuation mark intended to combine the functions of the question mark and the exclamation mark. Allowing your students the use of all keyboard symbols to create additional punctuation forms, what other punctuation combinations would prove useful in allowing greater expression through punctuation?”

2. (rare)A combination of a question mark and an exclamation mark; ⟨!?⟩ or ⟨?!⟩.

   “Interrobang — !?, ?!, or ‽ / What?! You’ve never heard of the interrobang!? Really? Well, now you have, so all is forgiven. An interrobang is […] used to end sentences where you really want both the exclamation point and the question mark. […] The word is used to describe both the two side by side (!? or ?!) or the combined symbol (‽).”

   “For instance, Taylor (2002: 568–570) discusses the ‘incredulity response construction’ in English as an example of a CI, exemplified by expressions such as Him write a novel?! and Me worry?! The CI has the schematic form of [nom_(sbj) v_(inf) (np)?!]. When written, it is often punctuated with an interrobang (‽ or ?!).”

   “My Jungle page had become bloated with messages since the press conference — notes from people at school, neighbors and strangers. A few people from Star Club left nice comments, and a few classmates wrote “so sorry to hear” messages. Even an interrobang-filled rant from Sasha Rosenberg?!”

   “It was not until entering the fourth movement when he would finally stop all strumming to interject with an interrobang: “WHERE is that voice COMING from!?””

   “Now, when we run it without supplying a value for the $City parameter, we get a message suggesting we type an interrobang (!?) for help: […]”

verb

1. (humorous)To exclaim and question at the same time.

   ““I think I can help Carli, but I have to move fast. Federal agents are going to descend on this place like locusts in about twenty minutes, max, and they’ll detain everyone. It’ll be days, at least, before they’re done interrobanging around.””

   “"Qhoenix!?" interrobanged Lrig Lanoisnemid-Eno. "You can't do this!"”

   “"Rhinnick worked with Dr. Peericks?!" gasped Ian, interrobanging like nobody's business.”