Clock Turns Out to be a Timeless Indicator of Generational Differences
From the way we text to our use of double spaces, it seems that everything we do can reveal more about our age than we realize. Even something as simple as calling midday “noon” can be a telltale sign, according to experts. But it turns out that our language quirks when it comes to telling time can also distinguish different generations.
According to Anna Pyshna, spokesperson at online language learning platform Preply, the way we tell time is not just a matter of numbers and hands on a clock. It is also a reflection of our generational differences.
“Young people are telling time differently,” Pyshna shared. “This move towards directness isn’t unique to telling time; it’s part of a wider linguistic trend among young people.”
Let’s take the time 8:45 as an example. According to Preply’s research, 75% of Baby Boomers (born roughly between 1946 to 1964) and 70% of Gen X (born approximately 1965-1980) will read that as “quarter to nine”. However, only 57% of Gen Z (born around 1997-2012) and a mere 10% of Gen Alpha (born about 2012 onwards) will use that term. Instead, Pyshna said, most younger people will opt for “eight forty-five.”
The expert believes that this shift in language may have something to do with technology. “Because Gen Alpha is growing up fully immersed in technology, they are accustomed to quickly searching for information online and receiving straightforward, concise answers,” she suggested. “This constant exposure to clear, literal communication shapes them to use more direct language, like saying ‘eight forty-five’ instead of idiomatic phrases.”
In addition, many very young people did not grow up reading an analogue clock, according to Preply. This means that they are more used to seeing the figures “8:45” than looking at a clock divided into physical quarters.
Pyshna believes that this is part of a broader trend among younger generations. According to the language site, it’s not just the way they tell time that is changing, but also the way they use language in general.
“Gen Alpha often uses English in ways that prioritize clarity over tradition,” Pyshna shared. “The findings leave us with a choice on whether to embrace the simplification of global English, or deliberately preserve the quirks that make it distinct.”
It seems that our language is constantly evolving, and the way we tell time is just one example of how generational differences can shape our communication. So next time you hear someone say “eight forty-five” instead of “quarter to nine”, remember that it’s not just a matter of numbers, but also a reflection of the times we live in.
