o'clock, why - o' -?

Question

Hello! What does the /o'/ means in the expression o'clock?

Answer 1

The original form of the expression "o'clock" was "of the clock."

Here's a short article on the history of o'clock.

Answer 2

All I can think of is:

12:00 on the dot exactly 12:00

I know I'll think of more later. Maybe someone else can help.

12:00 o'clock sharp - Leeh, May 4, 2010

12:00 o'clock on the button, don't know the origin of these, although I use them. - Leeh, May 4, 2010

Answer 3

¿Existen otras formas para expresar en punto? En español:

• Las 12 horas exactas
• Las 12 en punto
• Las 12 exactitas
• Justamente las 12
• Apenas las 12
• Las 12, ni más ni menos

Exacly 12 o'clock, 12 o'clock on the dot, right at 12 o'clock - Stardust2212, May 4, 2010

Answer 4

Gracias Marianne. Entonces "of the clock" significa "del reloj". Las 11 horas del reloj que mejor dicho sería "las 11 horas, exactas"

Sí :-) - --Mariana--, May 4, 2010

Answer 5

I always took the 'o' for granted never realised it had any meaning. Thank you for bring this into the light.