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The common misconceptions and surprising origins of AM and PM: clearing up thanks to TikTok
The Popular Misconceptions Before we delve into the exact origins of the terms “AM” and “PM,” it is important to clear up some common misconceptions. Many of us are familiar with these abbreviations but have accepted interpretations that, while logical, are historically incorrect. After Midnight and Past Midday: A popular conjecture that makes intuitive sense but is not historically accurate. At Morning and Past Morning: Another logical assumption, but not historically accurate. TikTok brings the question into the spotlight Social media has the remarkable ability to bring into consciousness questions we didn't even know...
The common misconceptions and surprising origins of AM and PM: clearing up thanks to TikTok
The popular misconceptions
Before we delve into the exact origins of the terms “AM” and “PM,” it is important to clear up some common misconceptions. Many of us are familiar with these abbreviations but have accepted interpretations that, while logical, are historically incorrect.
- After Midnight and Past Midday: Eine populäre Vermutung, die zwar intuitiv Sinn ergibt, aber nicht historisch korrekt ist.
- At Morning and Past Morning: Eine weitere logische Annahme, aber historisch nicht korrekt.
TikTok brings the question into the spotlight
Social media has the remarkable ability to bring to consciousness questions we didn't even know we had. On TikTok, a platform that seamlessly blends education and entertainment, even age-old questions can suddenly gain relevance and spark widespread interest.
A TikTok post by Amaya Clarke that quickly gained traction revisited the age-old question of AM and PM, and the reactions were as varied as they were numerous.
The Truth: A Look into the Past
History often holds the keys to our most pressing questions. The 12-hour clock system, although ancient, holds stories from the past that reveal the true origins of the AM and PM designations we use so casually today.
- AM steht für die lateinische Phrase „ante meridiem“, was „vor Mittag“ bedeutet.
- PM stammt von „post meridiem“, was „nach Mittag“ bedeutet.
However, 12 noon and 12 noon each defy this classification in their own way.
The public reaction: A mix of surprise and knowledge
Revelations about something as ubiquitous as time markers inevitably trigger a variety of reactions. The digital age allows people from all over the world to share their amazement, their prior knowledge or their humorous views on such discoveries.
The variety of reactions to the TikTok video illustrates the different experiences and backgrounds of the viewers.
Important tip: Deal with lunchtime confusion
While the origins and precise meanings of AM and PM are interesting, the practical application is equally crucial. Often terms become so embedded in our routine that we overlook their potential for confusion, especially when it comes to distinguishing between midday and midnight.
The designation of 12 noon can often be a point of confusion, so it is important to address this for clear communication.
More interesting facts about time
Beyond the AM and PM mystery exists a world full of fascinating details surrounding timekeeping. Over the centuries, humans have developed numerous methods, systems, and devices for measuring and understanding time, each with its own set of peculiarities and histories.
From ancient methods to the precision of atomic clocks, the journey of timekeeping is far-reaching and diverse.
Understanding the origins and nuances of timekeeping may seem like a trivial pursuit to some, but it underscores a broader human pursuit. Time, in all its fleeting essence, has always been a subject of human curiosity. Whether you're rediscovering the meaning of AM and PM or delving deeper into the history books of watchmaking, the journey promises to be enlightening.