In English we say such things as one o’clock, two o’clock, three o’clock and so own (o’clock meaing of the clock).  However, we only say "o’clock" when the time is the beginning of a new hour.  Why don’t we say things like 10:17 o’clock?  We simply truncate the clock.  Is it simply because saying that is just too long and odd sounding?

- Robby

The bells only ring on the hour, so we can’t say "10:17 o’clock."

But we can say 17 min. past 10 o’clock (ie "of the bells").

Interesting:[url=http://www.takeourword.com/Issue107.html]

We hear that the etymology of o’clock is a good story.[/url]

Scroll down to it!

Sitran

Well, Sitran, that etymology is very interesting and I now understand the answer to my question.  Thanks!

- Robby

And let’s not forget the Glockenspiel...!

-Tim