Today I learned

7949 readers

1 users here now

founded 4 years ago

MODERATORS

[email protected]

100

TIL the reason doorbells go "ding-dong" is because of Handel's opera The Messiah (en.wikipedia.org)

submitted 1 year ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

10 comments fedilink hide all child comments

Long story short, the classic "ding-dong" doorbell chime is the first two notes of the bells played Westminster Palace, which in turn are based on Handel's opera The Messiah. Read more about it, it's neat.

you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments

[–] [email protected] 24 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Why ding-dong is ding-dong and not dong-ding: ablaut reduplication. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reduplication#English

[–] [email protected] 12 points 1 year ago (1 children)

That was far too interesting of a read. Give me more things to consume!

[–] [email protected] 7 points 1 year ago (1 children)

If it’s a linguistics rabbit hole you’re looking for, I recommend Dr. Geoff Lindsey.

[–] [email protected] 7 points 1 year ago

I like exploring all the holes, but Dr. Geoff Lindsey's hole will satisfy me for now. Thank you!