We use it every day without thinking twice, but have you ever stopped to wonder what the “O” in “o’clock” really means? While many assume it stands for “on the” in phrases like “5 o’clock,” the true origin of this common expression has a surprising history that dates back centuries. Two leading linguists explain the fascinating evolution of “o’clock” and reveal what the “O” actually stands for.
The Origins: What Does the “O” Stand For?
Contrary to popular belief, the “O” in “o’clock” doesn’t mean “on the.” Instead, it comes from the phrase “of the clock.” This dates back to a time when people would indicate time by referencing the clock itself, stating something like, “It’s 3 of the clock.” Over time, this phrase was shortened to the more familiar “o’clock.” So when you say “5 o’clock,” you’re actually saying “five of the clock”—meaning, according to the clock, it’s five.
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the phrase “of the clock” first appeared in the English language in 1384, a time when mechanical clocks were becoming more widespread across Europe. These early clocks, thought to have been invented between 1270 and 1300 in northern Italy and southern Germany, changed how people measured time. Before their introduction, time was tracked using sundials or shadow clocks.
The Natural Shortening of Language
So, how did “of the clock” become the contraction we use today? Like many phrases in English, it was shortened over time to make communication faster and easier. By 1419, records show that “o’clock” was already in common use.
Anne Curzan, a professor of English, linguistics, and education at the University of Michigan, explains that people often abbreviate commonly used phrases for convenience. “Because it’s a set phrase for telling time, it’s not surprising that it got shortened over time because we’re saying it fast,” says Curzan.
Similarly, Michael Adams, an English and linguistics professor at Indiana University, highlights how English speakers tend to simplify unstressed words in phrases. “In ‘1 of the clock,’ you’ve got two unstressed words there: the ‘of’ and the ‘the.’ And it is an invitation to a type of abbreviation,” he says. This natural process is why “1 of the clock” transformed into “1 o’clock,” which quickly became the more rhythmic, concise expression we know today.
Where Did “Clock” Come From?
Now that we know what the “O” stands for, the next question is: where does the word “clock” originate? The answer lies in Christianity. Early mechanical clocks were often located in church towers, and their purpose was to ring bells to call the faithful to prayer or Mass. The Latin word for “bell” is clocca, which is where the English word “clock” comes from.
Adams explains that monks and nuns, who followed strict schedules for prayer, relied on the sound of bells to tell time. For instance, if nine bells rang, they would know it was time for a specific prayer or hymn. Over time, the word for bell was transferred to the instrument that measured time—the clock.
Even as smaller, more affordable clocks became available for homes, many of these timepieces included bells that chimed on the quarter-hour or hour, further cementing the connection between bells and timekeeping.
Modern Variants and Fun Uses of “O’clock”
Today, the term “o’clock” is most commonly used with numbers to indicate the hour. However, as early as the mid-1800s, people began using “o’clock” in combination with other words to indicate informal times for various activities. For example, phrases like “dinner o’clock” or even “beer o’clock” became playful ways to describe when certain events would take place.
A famous modern example of this trend is “wine o’clock,” which has become a popular phrase to signify the time of day when people relax with a glass of wine. Interestingly, an article from the San Francisco Chronicle as far back as 1910 mentioned “beer o’clock,” indicating that this fun play on the phrase has been around for over a century.
Here are some other creative expressions:
- Nap o’clock
- Brunch o’clock
- Self-care o’clock
- Stupid o’clock
The Forgotten Use of “O’clock” for Directions
Another interesting use of “o’clock” that has survived over the years is in giving directions, a practice that dates back to the 1700s. For instance, in aviation or navigation, it’s common to describe a location using a clock face. For example, “enemy at 6 o’clock” means directly behind. Similarly, drivers are taught to hold the steering wheel at the 10 and 2 o’clock positions for better control.
Other Surprising Contractions
“O’clock” is not the only phrase that has undergone this type of abbreviation. Some other familiar words have equally intriguing backstories:
- Jack-o’-lantern: This term originated in the 17th century. “Jack” was a common name for an unknown man, and a night watchman would often be referred to as “Jack of the lantern,” which was eventually shortened.
- Howdy: A casual greeting in some English-speaking countries, “Howdy” is actually a shortened form of “How do ye?” from an older version of English.
Conclusion
The history of “o’clock” provides a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of the English language. From medieval clocks to modern-day slang, this simple contraction carries with it centuries of linguistic change. So the next time you check the time, remember that when you say “o’clock,” you’re actually invoking an ancient connection to timekeeping and the ringing of church bells—a timeless reminder of how language shapes our world.
