It used to be part of the alphabet. We say “x, y, and z”. But it used to be “x, y, z, and per se, and” which would be written like “XYZ&”. So the alphabet had 27 characters in its recitation. And it’s also where we get it’s name. “and per se and” is shortened to “ampersand”.
ampersands are still everywhere, what do you mean?
It used to be part of the alphabet. We say “x, y, and z”. But it used to be “x, y, z, and per se, and” which would be written like “XYZ&”. So the alphabet had 27 characters in its recitation. And it’s also where we get it’s name. “and per se and” is shortened to “ampersand”.