Meaning

The year dot

Categorised in: A list of phrases about dates and times

What's the meaning of the phrase 'The year dot'?

A very long time ago; too long ago to be dated.

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What’s the origin of the phrase ‘The year dot’?

This is a fairly recent phrase which originated in England at the end of the 19th century. It is still in use there, although less so elsewhere. The earliest record I can find of it in print is from Lands of the slave and the free: or, Cuba, The United States, and Canada, by Henry Anthony Murray 1857:

“But as our ancestors adopted this system ‘in the year dot, before one was invented…”

See also - jot or tittle.

Historical trend

“The year dot” in printed material over time

Source: Google Books Ngrams (1980–2020).

198020002020
  • The year dot