Some phrases become so integrated into our everyday language that we rarely stop to think about their origins or meaning. One such phrase is “O’clock.” While we frequently say it when telling time, few of us wonder why. But there’s an interesting history behind the ‘O’ in “O’clock.”
The Meaning Behind the ‘O’ in “O’clock”
Contrary to what some might believe, the ‘O’ in “O’clock” isn’t something profound. It’s simply a shortened version of the word “of.” The term “O’clock” has been used for centuries to indicate time, evolving as a contraction of the phrase “of the clock.” So, when we say “It’s 12 O’clock,” we’re essentially saying, “It’s 12 of the clock.”
This abbreviation wasn’t created just for the sake of brevity but to simplify communication in everyday conversations.
The Origin of “O’clock”
The phrase “of the clock” started appearing in the English language during the 14th and 15th centuries, coinciding with the invention and rise of mechanical clocks. Before mechanical clocks, people relied on natural indicators, like the sun’s position, to tell time. But with the spread of clocks in public spaces, such as churches and town squares, the need arose to distinguish time as “of the clock” instead of traditional methods.
In a period when literacy was low, oral communication was vital. The phrase “of the clock” was abbreviated to “O’clock” for easier use, and it quickly became common even as education spread.
The First Mechanical Clocks
The first mechanical clocks are believed to have been created in the late 13th or early 14th centuries, although pinpointing the exact inventor is difficult. Notable figures include Richard of Wallingford, an English monk, who built one of the earliest complex mechanical clocks around 1326, and Giovanni de Dondi, an Italian clockmaker, known for his intricate astronomical clock, the “Astrarium,” made around 1364.
Despite the uncertainty, these individuals are celebrated for their contributions to clockmaking.
What are your thoughts on the ‘O’ in “O’clock”? Let us know in the comments
