What Does The “O” in “O’Clock” Stand For

English is a wonderfully complex language that’s riddled with peculiarities, quirks, and historical oddities. From words that look like they should rhyme but don’t (come and home) to idioms like raining cats and dogs, there’s plenty to trip up both learners and native speakers alike. One such mystery that many people overlook is the phrase “o’clock.” It’s something we say almost every day without a second thought. But have you ever wondered: what does the “O” actually stand for?

Let’s unravel this linguistic puzzle, exploring the origins of the phrase, the role of the apostrophe, and how “o’clock” came to be the way we tell time.

The Role of the Apostrophe in “O’Clock”

Before diving into what “o’clock” means, let’s take a quick grammar detour to understand the role of the apostrophe. Apostrophes in English serve two main purposes:

1. Showing Possession: For example, the child’s toy or Sarah’s book.
2. Indicating Omissions: Apostrophes also signal that letters or words have been left out, as in contractions like don’t (short for “do not”) or there’s (short for “there is”).

In “o’clock,” the apostrophe serves the second purpose: it marks that part of a phrase has been omitted. But what exactly is missing here?

What Does “O’Clock” Actually Mean?

The “O” in “o’clock” stands for “of the,” making the full phrase “of the clock.” So when you say, “It’s six o’clock,” you’re actually saying, “It’s six of the clock.” While this phrase might sound strange to modern ears, it essentially means, “According to the clock, it is six.”

This may seem like an overly formal way to announce the time, but it reflects how people used to think about timekeeping—an era when mechanical clocks were relatively new and exciting innovations.

The Origin of “Of the Clock”

The phrase “of the clock” has its roots in medieval Europe, where it began gaining traction around the late 1300s. Before the invention of mechanical clocks, people relied on sundials and shadow clocks to tell the time. But these devices were not as precise or accessible as mechanical clocks, which became more widespread during this period.

As mechanical clocks grew in popularity, people started referring to the time using these clocks as a point of reference. Saying “six of the clock” was a way to specify that the time being mentioned came from this relatively new and trusted source.

How “Of the Clock” Became “O’Clock”

Over time, the full phrase “of the clock” began to feel cumbersome, especially in everyday conversation. People naturally started abbreviating it to “o’clock” for simplicity. This shortening is a common linguistic phenomenon, where speakers drop unstressed parts of a phrase to make it quicker and easier to say.

As Anne Curzan, a linguistics professor at the University of Michigan, explains, “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.” The resulting rhythm of “o’clock” is also pleasing to the ear, which likely helped it stick.

Why Do Words and Phrases Evolve?

The evolution of “o’clock” is part of a broader pattern of language change. Over time, speakers tend to streamline frequently used phrases by dropping or merging unstressed words. This process is known as linguistic abbreviation, and it’s deeply ingrained in how languages evolve.

Unstressed Words Invite Abbreviation

Michael Adams, a linguistics professor at Indiana University, explains that English speakers often simplify phrases with multiple unstressed words. For example, in “1 of the clock,” both “of” and “the” are unstressed, making them prime candidates for abbreviation. The result? “1 of the clock” became “1 o’clock,” a more compact and rhythmically satisfying phrase.

The Role of Writing in Standardizing Language

As literacy rates rose and more people began writing down the spoken language, the abbreviated form “o’clock” became the standard. Once a term is commonly written, it tends to solidify in that form, further pushing the original phrase (“of the clock”) into obscurity.

Other Contractions Similar to “O’Clock”

The transformation of “of the clock” into “o’clock” isn’t unique. English is full of similar examples where phrases have been shortened over time, often with the help of an apostrophe.

Jack-o’-Lantern

Like “o’clock,” the “O” in “Jack-o’-lantern” also stands for “of.” The full phrase is “Jack of the lantern,” originally used to describe a night watchman or any man carrying a lantern. Over time, the term evolved to refer to the carved pumpkins we know today, although its exact connection to the hollowed-out gourds remains a bit of a mystery.

Will-o’-the-Wisp

This phrase, meaning a fleeting or elusive light seen in marshy areas, is another example. The “O” stands for “of,” making the full phrase “Will of the wisp.”

The Cultural Longevity of “O’Clock”

Despite its origins in medieval Europe, “o’clock” has stood the test of time (pun intended). It remains a commonly used phrase in English, serving as the standard way to announce the time. Why has it endured when other old-fashioned phrases have fallen by the wayside?

1. Simplicity

“O’clock” is short, easy to say, and instantly understood by English speakers worldwide. Its brevity has helped it remain relevant, even as the way we tell time has evolved.

2. Tradition

Telling time is a deeply ingrained daily habit, and “o’clock” has become a familiar part of that ritual. Its connection to the passage of time gives it a timeless quality.

Conclusion: The Timeless Appeal of “O’Clock”

The next time you glance at the clock and say, “It’s three o’clock,” you’ll know that you’re actually invoking a centuries-old phrase that means “three of the clock.” This linguistic shortcut, born out of convenience and rhythm, has become a staple of modern English, seamlessly blending history with everyday life.

“O’clock” is more than just a way to tell time—it’s a small but fascinating window into the evolution of language. It reminds us that even the most mundane phrases have rich histories, shaped by centuries of culture, innovation, and the natural human tendency to simplify. So, the next time you use “o’clock,” take a moment to appreciate its journey from medieval Europe to your daily vocabulary!