While pinpointing the very first person to utter "hello" is impossible, we can explore how the word came into common usage. The question is more accurately framed as, "Who popularized 'hello' as a greeting?". Based on the provided reference, the answer is Thomas Edison.
The Evolution of "Hello"
The word "hello" has an interesting history. Before it became a standard greeting, it was used in other ways:
- Exclamation of Surprise: In the early 1850s, Charles Dickens used the word "hullo" as an exclamation of surprise. This shows that the word was in use but not as a formal greeting.
- Calling for Attention: The term "halloo" was used to hail ferry boat operators, indicating another usage that predates its use as a greeting.
It was Thomas Edison who transformed "hello" from a general exclamation or call to a common greeting. He championed its use as a way to answer the telephone.
Thomas Edison and the Telephone
Edison, a prolific inventor, was instrumental in popularizing the use of the telephone. He felt the word "hello" was an efficient and polite way to answer a call. His recommendation led to the widespread adoption of "hello" as a standard greeting when answering the phone.
Key Takeaways
Here is a table summarizing the history of "hello":
| Person/Context | Usage | Time Period |
|---|---|---|
| Charles Dickens | Exclamation of surprise ("hullo") | Early 1850s |
| Ferry users | Call to ferry operators ("halloo") | Before 1870s |
| Thomas Edison | Telephone greeting ("hello") | Late 1870s |
Therefore, while "hello" existed before Edison, he is credited with its transformation into the ubiquitous greeting we know today. He didn't invent the word, but he popularized its use as a telephone greeting.
