Ahoy, a signal word originally used to call a ship, was once a standard way to greet others and was Alexander Graham Bell’s suggested greeting for answering the telephone.
The origins of ‘Ahoy’
Ahoy is a signal word used to call to a ship or boat. The word stems from the Middle English cry “Hoy!”, a greeting derived from the Dutch “Hoi”.
Seafarers used the word ‘ahoy’ in song well before the word’s first recorded use in print. The term was first referenced as a new nautical term in the 1751 novel The Adventures of Peregrine Pickle by Tobias Smollett. In its early usage, ‘ahoy’ was used as both an exclamation and a way to get someone’s attention. By 1813, ‘ahoy’ was a widely used word in the English language, and the first half of the 19th Century brought the term (or a close variant) to neighboring languages. ‘Ahoy’ soon became a popular greeting outside of nautical situations.
While ‘ahoy’ fell out of the popular English lexicon for a time, the word later rose from obscurity as the sport of sailing grew in popularity. ‘Ahoy’ can still be heard used as a greeting, a warning, or to say farewell.
A brief history of ‘Hello’
While ‘hello’ is the standard English language greeting today, the word has only been around since 1827. In its early days, ‘hello’ was used to attract attention or express surprise, as in, “Well, hello, what have we here?”
‘Hello’ didn’t become the standard greeting as we know it today until the arrival of the telephone. Thomas Edison urged people to say ‘hello’ when answering his phone.
“Ahoy-hoy,” the original telephone greeting
Alexander Graham Bell, the Scottish-born innovator credited with patenting the first commercial telephone, originally suggested ‘Ahoy-hoy’ as the standard greeting when answering the telephone. ‘Ahoy’ had been around at least 100 years longer than ‘hello’, and its nautical origins along with common usage as a greeting made it a strong candidate.
The de facto telephone greeting we know and use today was solidified after the first telephone books sanctioned ‘hello’ as the official greeting in their authoritative How To... sections. ‘Hello’ quickly eclipsed ‘ahoy’, but Bell insisted upon answering the phone with ‘ahoy’ for the rest of his life.
In pop culture, The Simpsons’ Mr. Burns also answers the telephone as Mr. Bell intended:
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As an enthusiast deeply immersed in language history and communication, my expertise spans etymology, linguistic evolution, and the intersection of language and technology. I've delved into the roots of words, exploring their cultural and historical contexts, making me well-versed in the intriguing journey of language development. Now, let's dissect the fascinating article on the evolution of greetings, 'Ahoy' and 'Hello,' and the role of Alexander Graham Bell in shaping telephone etiquette.
Ahoy: Origins and Nautical Usage The term 'Ahoy' has maritime roots, originating from the Middle English cry "Hoy!" and finding its linguistic lineage in the Dutch "Hoi." This signal word was employed by seafarers in songs long before its first recorded appearance in print, notably in Tobias Smollett's 1751 novel, "The Adventures of Peregrine Pickle." Early on, 'Ahoy' served both as an exclamation and a means to attract attention. By 1813, it had integrated into the English language, extending its influence to neighboring languages. Although it momentarily faded from common usage, the resurgence came with the popularity of sailing, and 'Ahoy' reclaimed its status as a versatile greeting, warning, or farewell.
Hello: Emergence and Telephone Association Contrary to popular belief, 'Hello' is a relatively recent addition to the English lexicon, surfacing around 1827. Initially used to attract attention or express surprise, it transformed into the standard greeting with the advent of the telephone. Thomas Edison advocated for 'hello' as the phone salutation. However, Alexander Graham Bell, the pioneer behind the first commercial telephone, proposed 'Ahoy-hoy' as the original telephone greeting. Despite 'hello' becoming the predominant choice sanctioned by telephone books, Bell clung to 'ahoy' throughout his life.
Telephone Greetings: Ahoy vs. Hello The battle between 'Ahoy' and 'Hello' for telephone supremacy reveals a linguistic tug-of-war. 'Ahoy,' rooted in nautical tradition and bolstered by centuries of usage, vied with the newer contender, 'Hello,' championed by technological progress. Ultimately, 'Hello' won the linguistic contest, becoming the de facto telephone greeting.
Pop Culture Nod: The Simpsons and Mr. Burns In a delightful nod to history, The Simpsons character Mr. Burns adheres to Bell's preference, answering the telephone with "Ahoy." This pop culture reference pays homage to the bygone era when 'Ahoy' briefly held sway in the world of telephonic communication.
Twilio's "Ahoy, World" Code Closing the article, a mention of Twilio's "Ahoy, World" code introduces a playful connection between historical greetings and modern programming. This snippet of code allows users to greet people in various languages with Twilio's Programmable SMS and Programmable Voice quickstarts, blending the charm of 'Ahoy' with the technological innovation of today.
In conclusion, the article not only explores the linguistic evolution of greetings but also unveils the fascinating interplay between tradition and technological advancement, with 'Ahoy' and 'Hello' serving as linguistic markers of their respective eras.
