Little Bb key: what does bis mean?

[Moz]

The little Bb key next to the B key is often called the bis key. What does that mean, bis?

Martin

 

[Amaranth]

Probably nothing to do with is but bis means twice or again in latin and encore in French.

(OK that's my useless fact of the day then ;} )

 

[old git]

Would it be better named as the Hb key?

 

[griff136]

Amaranth is correct in the meaning of the word and it is also for that reason why the bis Bb key is so called as it is a second or alternate fingering for Bb

 

[kevgermany]

Would it be better named as the Hb key?

I'm lost, what are you trying to pencil in here?

 

[old git]

I'm lost, what are you trying to pencil in here?

Never even occurred to me.
post Script:-Are HB cancer sticks still available, Young Kev?

 

[kevgermany]

Never even occurred to me.
post Script:-Are HB cancer sticks still available, Young Kev?

Not sure about the cancer sticks, I avoid them like the plague.

But BHs are still widely used and available.

 

[Bude Bill]

Re the meaning of bis

It is french and means "also"