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.
Why ding-dong is ding-dong and not dong-ding: ablaut reduplication. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reduplication#English
That was far too interesting of a read. Give me more things to consume!
If it’s a linguistics rabbit hole you’re looking for, I recommend Dr. Geoff Lindsey.
I like exploring all the holes, but Dr. Geoff Lindsey’s hole will satisfy me for now. Thank you!
Well, fuck you very much, Handel
No no you’re thinking of Pachelbel.
don’t even open that can of worms
The statement matches Beethoven’s 5th, no?
My grandparents own a “ding dong” clock, which would count every quarter hour and then count the entire hour just as you heard… then it would fucking mark the hour with a number of tolls… the fucking insanity. If that clock still exists next time I am there, it’s existence will be short.
Somebody owes Handel a whole lot of money.
