Why Humans Start Phone Calls With "Hello"
The use of "hello" as the standard greeting when answering the phone has an interesting history rooted in the early days of telephone communication. Here's a look at how this simple word became the universal way to start a phone call. The Invention of the Telephone When Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone in the late 19th century, there was no established etiquette for how to begin a phone conversation. Bell himself preferred the word "ahoy" as a greeting, a term commonly used by sailors. However, this did not catch on. The Influence of Thomas Edison Thomas Edison, another prominent inventor who contributed significantly to the development of the telephone, suggested using "hello" as the standard greeting. Edison’s influence was substantial, and his suggestion quickly gained popularity. Adoption and Standardization The word "hello" was already in use in the English language as a greeting or to attract attention, dating back to the ...