Why Alexander Graham Bell wanted us to answer the phone with 'Ahoy-hoy'
In short: Before 'hello' became the universal standard for answering a call, a fierce linguistic battle was waged between two inventors. One wanted us to hail each other like ships at sea, while the other pushed for the greeting we use every single day.
The standard telephone greeting we use today was not a historical inevitability, but the winner of a rivalry between Alexander Graham Bell and Thomas Edison. While Bell insisted that 'ahoy'—a term used for hailing ships—was the superior way to answer the phone, Edison championed 'hello.' Bell was so committed to his preferred greeting that he continued using 'ahoy-hoy' for the rest of his life. Edison's preference eventually prevailed, changing how we interact. This choice was not based on social consensus alone.
The linguistic history of these terms reveals a surprising timeline. 'Ahoy' had been in use for at least a century before 'hello' appeared in print. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the first published instance of 'hello' dates back to 1827, though it was used to express surprise or grab attention rather than to greet someone. Even 'hoy,' a component of 'ahoy-hoy,' has roots stretching back to the 14th century as a call used for driving cattle. The term 'hoy' also served as a command for cattle drivers. This usage predates the nautical application of the word.
The victory of 'hello' over 'ahoy' was largely driven by practical documentation rather than social consensus. Early telephone books acted as authoritative guides for new users. For instance, the first phone book, published in 1878 by the District Telephone Company of New Haven, Connecticut, actually suggested using a 'firm and cheery hulloa.' Ultimately, Edison's preference for 'hello' became the industry standard, cementing it in common usage and leaving 'ahoy' to the nautical world and fictional characters like Mr. Burns. The New Haven directory recommended a cheery 'hulloa' for callers. This early guidance helped establish modern conversational norms.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: That Time Saying 'Ahoy hoy' was the Preferred Way to Answer the Phone
- Also: A (Shockingly) Short History Of 'Hello' : Krulwich Wonders... : NPR
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