diff --git a/changelogs/client_server/newsfragments/1260.clarification b/changelogs/client_server/newsfragments/1260.clarification
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..3ccb2333
--- /dev/null
+++ b/changelogs/client_server/newsfragments/1260.clarification
@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+Fix various typos throughout the specification.
diff --git a/content/client-server-api/modules/instant_messaging.md b/content/client-server-api/modules/instant_messaging.md
index 7f9b3ca1..47440cd3 100644
--- a/content/client-server-api/modules/instant_messaging.md
+++ b/content/client-server-api/modules/instant_messaging.md
@@ -47,8 +47,9 @@ Not all attributes on those tags should be permitted as they may be
 avenues for other disruption attempts, such as adding `onclick` handlers
 or excessively large text. Clients should only permit the attributes
 listed for the tags below. Where `data-mx-bg-color` and `data-mx-color`
-are listed, clients should translate the value (a 6-character hex color
-code) to the appropriate CSS/attributes for the tag.
+are listed, clients should translate the value (a `#` character followed
+by a 6-character hex color code) to the appropriate CSS/attributes for
+the tag.
 
 `font`
 `data-mx-bg-color`, `data-mx-color`, `color`