And even the letter Q has become loaded, thanks to fans of Q-Anon’s endless conspiracy theories. Corporate symbols get redefined, too, for better or for worse.

On the other side, the most notable symbol has been the simple Z. There have been many theories about why this letter has become a pro-war symbol, and what its origins might be.

But the origins of the symbol remain a mystery. Prior to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the letter "Z" was seen painted on tanks as well as other military vehicles massing near the border.

Russian Ivan Kuliak wore the letter Z on his chest during the Artistic Gymnastics World Cup in Doha. The Z is reportedly a symbol of support for Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The "Z" symbol has also cropped up among members of Russia's lower house of Parliament, the Duma. Maria Butina was convicted of serving as an unregistered foreign agent in the United States trying ...

Russians have chosen the letter Z as the symbol for their invasion of Ukraine. It is marking the Russian military vehicles and is widely used by the supporters of the war in Russia. I don't ...

The symbol has also been deployed as a threat: Anton Dolin, a prominent film critic who left Russia over his opposition to the war, posted a picture on Facebook of a giant white Z that someone had ...

The symbol has also reportedly been painted on the doors of prominent Russians such as film critic Anton Dolin as well as Pussy Riot member Rita Flores in an apparent attempt at intimidation. Whether ...