Many admitted that the lack of consistency in the '1st, 2nd, and 3rd'
On social media, Gemma, a mother of two, admitted that she went more than 30 years without understanding why we abbreviate '1st, 2nd, and 3rd' like that.
Similar to many others, Gemma was accustomed to these abbreviations but never wondered why they terminated with certain letters.
In the video shared on Tiktok, she noticed the lack of consistency in the first four numbers - '1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th' - followed by a pattern from '5th' onwards raised questions.
From marking dates on calendars to grading schoolwork, the sequential usage of '1st, 2nd, 3rd...' becomes second nature from a young age. While the abbreviations may not significantly save time in writing, they undeniably enhance clarity.
In the video, Gemma reveals that she realized there's actually a reason behind each number having the suffix that it does.
Gemma reveal the reason why we abbreviate 1st, 2nd, and 3rd like that
In the video viral on Tiktok, Gemma explained: “At my big age of 32 I have just learned that the “st” in 1st, “nd” in 2nd and “rd” in 3rd are because they are the last letters of the words “first” and so forth.
“I don’t think I ever put any thought into it until now.”
The video sparked debate after Gemma explained.
Below the video, several users suggested that Gemma's explanation holds true. The suffixes for the first four numbers derive from the final letters of the corresponding words - 'first,' 'second,' 'third,' 'fourth.' From '5th' to '10th,' the consistent use of 'th' mirrors the ending letters of the numbers themselves.
One person said: Of course in the army it’s general neutral with 2 and 3 just getting a “d”.
A second wrote: Okay but why are first second and third the only ones we do like that? Why isn't it fourst?
While a third commented: FirSTly she should have thought about it for a secoND and thiRDly some people seem to be "blown away" pretty easily!
Someone else said: Wow I just realized that letters spell words....
Some people can read War and Peace and come away thinking it's a simple adventure story. Others can read the ingredients on a chewing gum wrapper and unlock the secrets of the universe. Another added.
While the explanation may seem straightforward, it's a revelation that eluded Gemma for decades, proving that it's never too late to learn something new.
