italics

noun

1. (plural, plural-only)Letters in an italic typeface.

   “There is no need to put the whole paragraph in italics.”

   “Writing of cyclic diagramming, he speaks of ". . . the practical state of locomotives that pass through any number of engine and maintenance crews' hands in the course of a week's common user working, receiving love from none". The italics are mine.”

2. (form-of, plural)plural of italic: exaggerated intonation or some similar oral speech device by which one or more words is heavily and usually affectedly emphasized or otherwise given sharp prominence

   “Margaret Long […] was yapping, her silly voice fraught with italics.”

   “a woman who has an irritating way of speaking in italics”