Today I learned

7859 readers

1 users here now

founded 5 years ago

MODERATORS

sonder@lemmy.ml

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

submitted 2 years ago by NataliePortland@lemmy.ca to c/todayilearned@lemmy.ml

9 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.

top 9 comments

sorted by: hot top controversial new old

[–] davel@lemmy.ml 23 points 2 years ago (1 children)

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

[–] thefartographer@lemm.ee 12 points 2 years ago (1 children)

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

[–] davel@lemmy.ml 7 points 2 years ago (1 children)

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

[–] thefartographer@lemm.ee 7 points 2 years ago

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

[–] gregorum@lemm.ee 4 points 2 years ago (1 children)

Well, fuck you very much, Handel

[–] Xariphon@kbin.social 3 points 2 years ago (2 children)

No no you're thinking of Pachelbel.

[–] PlutoniumAcid@lemmy.world 1 points 2 years ago

The statement matches Beethoven's 5th, no?

[–] gregorum@lemm.ee 1 points 2 years ago

don’t even open that can of worms

[–] Curious_Canid@lemmy.ca 3 points 2 years ago

Somebody owes Handel a whole lot of money.