Words Unravelled with RobWords and Jess Zafarris Why do we say "hello"? | GREETINGS
Apr 10, 2024
Discover the intriguing origins of the word 'hello' and its connection to early telecommunication. Uncover the surprising roots of 'ciao' and why Thailand officially altered its national greeting. Delve into the rich history of localized terms like 'eu-pme' and the affectionate dynamics of regional dialects. Explore how greetings reveal societal norms, with humorous insights into the quirky origins of French phrases. Finally, examine the cultural significance of goodbyes, showcasing how language evolves with social contexts.
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History of "Hello"
- "Hello" wasn't a standard greeting until the 1870s.
- It was popularized by the telephone, relating to hailing from a distance.
Telephone Greetings
- Alexander Graham Bell initially wanted "ahoy" as the telephone greeting.
- Thomas Edison championed "hello", possibly influenced by older terms like "hallow".
Edison's Influence
- Thomas Edison promoted "hello" through telephone manuals and instructions.
- This standardization led to its widespread adoption, even influencing global variations.