Uncovering the Origins of 'O'clock': A Journey Through Time-Telling History
Uncovering the Origins of 'O'clock': A journey Through Time-Telling History
Ever wondered why we use the term "o'clock"? A recent question on Threads left many curious about the significance of the “o” in the term. Some guessed it might mean “zero,” “Omega,” or even “oida,” which is Viennese for “old person,” but the true origin is quite different.
The term “o'clock” dates back to a time when people used various methods to tell time. Before clocks became widespread in the 12th century, people relied on the position of the sun. Unlike clocks, which divide the day equally, solar time varied with the seasons. To clarify that a time reference was based on clock time rather than solar time, people began using the phrase “of the clock.” Over time, this was shortened to “o’clock.”
The term gained popularity in the 18th century, a period known for the informal slurring of words, leading to expressions like “Will-o’-the-Wisp” and “Jack-o’-lantern.” Although we no longer need to specify that we’re referring to clock time, the term "o'clock" has endured.
Similarly, we use other expressions with unclear origins, such as “OK” or “okay.” While the origin of “OK” is debated, most sources attribute it to a Boston misspelling fad from the late 1830s, where “oll korrect” (a misspelling of “all correct”) was abbreviated to “OK.” Another example from that era is “OW,” a misspelling of “all wright” for “all right.”
Ever wondered why we use the term "o'clock"? A recent question on Threads left many curious about the significance of the “o” in the term. Some guessed it might mean “zero,” “Omega,” or even “oida,” which is Viennese for “old person,” but the true origin is quite different.
The term “o'clock” dates back to a time when people used various methods to tell time. Before clocks became widespread in the 12th century, people relied on the position of the sun. Unlike clocks, which divide the day equally, solar time varied with the seasons. To clarify that a time reference was based on clock time rather than solar time, people began using the phrase “of the clock.” Over time, this was shortened to “o’clock.”
The term gained popularity in the 18th century, a period known for the informal slurring of words, leading to expressions like “Will-o’-the-Wisp” and “Jack-o’-lantern.” Although we no longer need to specify that we’re referring to clock time, the term "o'clock" has endured.
Similarly, we use other expressions with unclear origins, such as “OK” or “okay.” While the origin of “OK” is debated, most sources attribute it to a Boston misspelling fad from the late 1830s, where “oll korrect” (a misspelling of “all correct”) was abbreviated to “OK.” Another example from that era is “OW,” a misspelling of “all wright” for “all right.”