The English language is a fascinating mix of logic, quirks, and contradictions. We use words, idioms, and expressions every day without pausing to think about where they come from or why they exist. One of these phrases is “o’clock.” Have you ever stopped to wonder: what does the “O” stand for in “o’clock”?
The Purpose of an Apostrophe
Before diving into the specifics of “o’clock,” let’s take a quick look at the humble apostrophe. This little punctuation mark often pulls double duty in English.
Firstly, it’s used to show possession, like in phrases such as “the teacher’s notes” or “Sarah’s book.” Secondly, it simplifies our language by replacing missing letters in contractions. Think about how “don’t” stands in for “do not,” or how “it’s” replaces “it is.”
In the case of “o’clock,” the apostrophe signifies that some part of the original phrase has been shortened or skipped. But what exactly was skipped? That’s where things get interesting.
What Is “O’Clock” Short For?
The “O” in “o’clock” stands for “of the,” as explained in the Britannica Dictionary. So, when someone says, “It’s six o’clock,” what they’re really saying is, “It’s six of the clock.”
Does that sound a bit old-fashioned? It should. The phrase “of the clock” is essentially a historic way of saying, “according to the clock.” Over time, this longer phrase was trimmed down for ease and speed, leaving us with the concise version we use today.
The Origin of “Of the Clock”
The phrase “of the clock” emerged during a pivotal moment in timekeeping history. Back in the late 1300s, mechanical clocks began to gain popularity across Europe.
Before the invention of mechanical clocks, people relied on sundials, shadow clocks, and other rudimentary methods to track the passing hours. However, as these new mechanical devices became widespread, they ushered in a more standardized way of measuring time. Saying “of the clock” became a way to distinguish the hour as determined by a mechanical clock, as opposed to guessing based on the position of the sun.
How “Of the Clock” Became “O’Clock”
As with many phrases, “of the clock” was eventually shortened for convenience. Just think about how we’ve shortened other clunky expressions in English — “cannot” becomes “can’t,” “I am” becomes “I’m,” and so on.
Dr. Anne Curzan, a professor of linguistics, notes that contractions often arise naturally because people want to streamline their conversations. In her words, “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.”
By removing the less essential words “of” and “the,” people began to say “o’clock” instead of “of the clock.” This change wasn’t just about efficiency—it also made the phrase flow more smoothly in conversation. For instance, saying “5 o’clock” has a pleasing rhythm that feels natural to English speakers.
How Words Evolve: The Role of Language Rhythm
The transition from “of the clock” to “o’clock” is a textbook example of how language evolves. When people speak, they naturally emphasize certain words while glossing over others. In the phrase “1 of the clock,” the words “of” and “the” are unstressed, making them prime candidates for abbreviation.
Michael Adams, a professor of linguistics at Indiana University, explains that this tendency to abbreviate unstressed words is common in English. By shortening “of the clock” to “o’clock,” speakers created a phrase that fits the natural cadence of the language. This rhythmic flow is one reason why the contraction has stood the test of time.
The Written Evolution of “O’Clock”
As more people learned to read and write over the centuries, the spelling of “o’clock” became standardized. In written form, the apostrophe serves as a visual reminder of the phrase’s origins.
Anne Curzan points out that written language often mirrors how words are pronounced. In the case of “o’clock,” the written contraction reflects the way people were already saying the phrase aloud. Over time, the original phrase “of the clock” faded into obscurity, leaving the shorter, snappier “o’clock” to dominate.
Other Examples: The Case of Jack-o’-Lantern
The “O” in “o’clock” isn’t the only example of this type of contraction. Take “Jack-o’-lantern,” for instance. Here, the “O” also stands for “of,” making the full phrase “Jack of the lantern.”
This term originated in Britain in the 1800s, where it was used to describe night watchmen who carried lanterns. Over time, the name became associated with the carved pumpkin lanterns we know today. Much like “o’clock,” the contraction stuck because it was easier to say and remember.
Conclusion
The “O” in “o’clock” may seem insignificant, but it’s actually a tiny time capsule that holds a fascinating piece of linguistic history. It stands for “of the,” a relic from an era when mechanical clocks were the cutting-edge technology of the day. Over time, the phrase “of the clock” was trimmed down to the smoother, more conversational “o’clock” we use today.
Language is always evolving, often in ways we don’t even notice. The story of “o’clock” is a reminder of how English speakers shape their language to fit their needs—whether it’s for clarity, rhythm, or sheer convenience. So the next time you glance at your watch and say, “It’s 3 o’clock,” you’ll know there’s a little slice of history hidden in that simple phrase.
