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How come we say counterclockwise and not earthwise? (sh.itjust.works)
submitted 2 years ago by to c/asklemmy@lemmy.ml
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[โ€“] 27 points 2 years ago (1 child)

Well, for starters, that depends on which way you're looking at the earth.

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  • [+] [S] -23 points 2 years ago (3 children)

    OK well then by that logic it depends on which way your looking as a clock. A see-through clock would cause chaos by your logic.

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  • [โ€“] 18 points 2 years ago (2 children)

    The terms for "clockwise" and "Counterclockwise" originated long before clocks. Clockwise was originally called "Sunwise" and followed the movement of the shadow around a sundial.

    Counterclockwise was "widdershins", from a Middle Low German phrase meaning "against the way."

    We don't use "earthwise" because from our perspective, the earth doesn't rotate.

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  • [โ€“] [S] 1 point 2 years ago* (1 child)

    You know after thinking about this for a while, it actually just makes me want to call it earthwise more.

    And maybe I just have a diffent perspective, but I look up a lot and notice the stars moving while out on walk woth my dogs. Not in real time for anyone trying to start lol. But It's continously in my mind that we're on a spinning rock. And I've played enough NMS to realize that a planet can take perspective from space, but compasses go north and south. And if we're going to debate on which way I would consider which to be right or wrong its moot, because whatever clockwise is earthwise will be opposite. So I just don't get how I'm so wrong.

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  • [โ€“] 12 points 2 years ago (3 children)

    How many see-through clocks do you own? I own none.

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  • [โ€“] [S] 2 points 2 years ago

    Hey so, I just got back from a walk with my dogs and I remembered that I 100% own a see through clock. It also has Roman numerals so it would be extra confusing. It's in storage but when I wake up tomorrow I'll go grab it just to take a picture for this moment.

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  • [+] [S] -11 points 2 years ago (1 child)

    How many maps do you own that focus on the south pole? I own none.

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  • [โ€“] 8 points 2 years ago (1 child)

    How many maps do you own that focus on the north pole? I own none.

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  • [+] [S] -11 points 2 years ago* (1 child)

    ??

    Literally every map. The north pole is the focus of the cardinal direction. Are you just being dumb now?

    Edit: I meant compass rose. How dumb yall are being is dragging me down with you

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  • [โ€“] 4 points 2 years ago (1 child)

    It probably would actually. Imagine if Big Ben was a transparent circle with clock hands at the top.

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