Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

The DU Lounge

soldierant

(9,189 posts)

13. Because the languages from which English has descended

Reply to True Dough (Original post)

Tue Dec 2, 2025, 12:43 AM

Yesterday

didn't. And you'll notice that numbers go up to twelve before the "teen" kicks in. We know that people had the concept of "dozen" (not necessarily the word, but the concept) very early, and that may well have been an influence. Along with the Zodiac and the year. Bit the concept of ten fingers (and toes perhaps?) is also very old, and that is reflected in the fact that -ty kicks in at 20 and stays until 99. (and then everything come back, just with "hundred" in front.)

Edit history

Please sign in to view edit histories.

Recommendations

0 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):

13 replies

= new reply since forum marked as read

Highlight:

Why do you think [View all] True Dough Monday OP

Because elevenses, of course. quaint Monday #1

That True Dough Monday #4

"Because the whole dog gone thing is dumb!" Gallagher Niagara Monday #2

Watch out True Dough Monday #5

I did see Gallagher in concert in 1999 Niagara Monday #8

I don't know but I like it.From now it it's onety-one for me. Marie Marie Monday #3

It's even better True Dough Monday #6

Should be tenty-one. Sogo Monday #7

Figure it out dweller Monday #9

Oneteen? JoseBalow Monday #10

Teeny dweller Monday #12

It is. johnp3907 Monday #11

Because the languages from which English has descended soldierant Yesterday #13