Meeting Times

[paidinfull]

Why do people insist on meeting at half past, quarter past or quarter to? People always say something like 'See you at 12'. I don't get it. There are other numbers on the clock. Why not meet at, say 1212, 1217? Those numbers are just as easy to see on the clock as all the other numbers.

[THECORBYLOON]

I mind on an Englishman saying he nearly didn't start the relationship wi his future Scots wife because he said he would meet her at "half 12" He meant 12.30 but to her "half 12" meant 11.30 because it's half of the 12th hour. Luckily she hung around for him. 

II would say to someone "I'll see you the back of 12" but I'd nver say "the back of 12.17" to me that means

[THECORBYLOON]

THAT WENT EARLY!!!!! What I was trying to say was I'd never say "the back of 12.17" or whatever because to me that  implies precision. As for all times being as easy to see on a clock, they're not always. On most clocks and watches each period of five minutes is highlighted, on some clocks and watches, ONLY the quarter hours are marked so it's easier to say on the hour or quarter past etc.

[silly moo]

Maybe if we said 12,12when we mean quarter past 12 latecomers could be on time. What a lovely thought.
My watch has no numbers - just 4 very small marks - I need new glasses.

[paidinfull]

THECORBYLOON: Why does saying 1217 imply precision while saying 1215 does not? They're both times, a collection of numbers. All numbers are, by their very nature, precise. Watches and clocks, I am sure, are only marked in that way beacause people practise this system of chronological apartheid - quarter past good, 17 past bad. Trains and planes leave at 'odd' times. Just think how much extra time in a day you could have if you used the whole clock? Admittedly, I do need to get out more...

[THECORBYLOON]

paidinfull when I have 116.221 seconds to spare, I'll gie you a detailed reply.........

[clarabel82]

and why do I say I'll meet someone on the hour or half past, when I know I won't be able to make it on time because of the buses? I'm either half an hour early or 5 minutes late then..