The word “few” can be written with four strokes of a pen or pencil. This makes it a strong candidate for the English word requiring the fewest pen strokes. Other four-letter words like “this” or “that” require more strokes.
Brevity is often valued in written communication. Minimizing the physical act of writing, especially in historical contexts with limited writing materials or time, could be advantageous. While the specific benefit of minimizing strokes in a single word may seem small, the principle extends to overall writing efficiency. Choosing concise vocabulary contributes to clarity and readability.
