06/11/2025
How “Hello” Became the Universal Way to Answer a Phone Call
Ever wondered why we say “Hello” when we pick up the phone? The story goes back to the invention of the telephone itself!
When Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone in the 1870s, he actually preferred to answer calls with “Ahoy!” — a common nautical greeting at the time. But Thomas Edison, another famous inventor, suggested using “Hello” instead. Edison believed it was clearer and more natural to say, especially for telephone operators and everyday users.
Soon, “Hello” became the standard word used in telephone greetings around the world. It was simple, friendly, and easy to understand in almost any language.
So next time you answer a call with “Hello,” remember — you’re continuing a tradition that began more than 150 years ago, thanks to a bit of friendly competition between two inventors!
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