The Curious Origin of the Word 'Computer'

The Birth of a Word: How 'Computer' Came to Be

In the realm of technology, words often evolve alongside the machines they describe. However, the journey of the word "computer" is a particularly intriguing tale, rooted not in the silicon and circuits of modern computing, but in the hallowed halls of academia and the strategic marketing departments of a burgeoning tech giant. While we now use "computer" as a ubiquitous term for our digital workhorses, its origins are surprisingly specific and distinctly French, dating back to a request in 1955.

The story begins with IBM, a company synonymous with computing innovation. At the time, IBM was preparing to launch a new machine designed for information processing. The literal translation of the English word "computer" was "calculateur," a term that, while accurate, lacked the persuasive punch desired for a public-facing advertisement. IBM's advertising manager sought a more evocative and appealing name for their "electronic calculator type 650." This is where the narrative takes an unexpected, yet brilliant, turn.

A Philologist's Touch: Jacques Perret's Contribution

To find the perfect moniker, IBM's representative turned to a respected authority: Jacques Perret, a professor of Latin philology at the prestigious Sorbonne University. The advertising manager presented Perret with a description of the new machine, entrusting him with the task of crafting a name that would resonate with the public and accurately reflect the device's capabilities. Perret, a scholar of language with a deep understanding of etymology, delved into his expertise to meet this unique challenge.

After exploring various linguistic avenues, Professor Perret submitted his proposal on April 16, 1955. His primary recommendation was the word "ordinateur." He presented it as a "correctly formed" word, one that had historical precedent, albeit in a theological context. Perret noted that "ordinateur" was an old word derived from theological vocabulary that had fallen into disuse. According to Littré, a renowned French dictionary, the term referred to "God who puts order in the world." This concept of imposing order was particularly relevant to the function of IBM's new machine, which was designed to process and organize information.

Exploring the Semantic Landscape: Rejected Alternatives

Perret's linguistic exploration was not a narrow one. He meticulously considered and ultimately rejected several other potential names, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. These rejected terms offer a fascinating glimpse into the semantic considerations that went into naming such a revolutionary device.

• Systémateur: While Perret acknowledged that "systémateur" was a neologism that could be easily derived from "système" (system), he felt that the word "système" itself was not easily adaptable for technical use. The potential for "systématisé" (systematised) was present, but the overall utility for the machine's designation was deemed insufficient.
• Combinateur: This option presented a significant hurdle due to its association with the French word "combine," which carries a negative connotation of scheming or trickery. While "combiner" (to combine) was a common verb, Perret doubted its potential to become a distinct technical term. Furthermore, "combination" was considered less viable due to its proximity to "combinaison," which could lead to confusion. He did note, however, that German usage of "combinat" (referring to trusts) suggested some potential for broader applications, but ultimately, the negative connotations in French proved too strong.
• Digesteur: Perret's reasoning for rejecting "digesteur" was straightforward: it evoked too strong a connection with "congestion" and "digestion," terms associated with biological processes rather than information processing. The desire to avoid such biological allusions was paramount.
• Congesteur: Similar to "digesteur," this term was deemed unsuitable due to its association with "congestion," which did not align with the intended function of the machine.
• Synthétiseur: While "synthétiseur" (synthesizer) was a valid word, Perret felt it was not novel enough to uniquely designate a specific, determined object like IBM's new machine.

The Case for "Ordinatrice"

Professor Perret also noted a linguistic pattern in the naming of other machines, such as "tabulatrice" (tabulator) and "trieuse" (sorter), which were feminine in gender. This observation led him to propose an alternative: "ordinatrice." This feminine form offered a dual advantage. Firstly, it further distanced the term from its theological origins, providing a more secular and modern feel. Secondly, it aligned with the existing gender convention for similar machinery.

Perret even suggested the possibility of augmenting "ordinatrice" with a descriptive complement, such as "ordinatrice d'éléments complexes" (processor of complex elements) or a compound element like "sélecto-ordinatrice." However, he also pointed out potential phonetic issues, such as the "o" in "sélecto-ordinateur" or "électro-ordinatrice," which could create an "hiatus" (a clash of vowel sounds).

IBM's Choice and the Word's Legacy

Ultimately, IBM opted for the masculine form, "ordinateur," for the commercial release of its "IBM 650." The company registered the trademark, but the word's inherent suitability and the rapid adoption by the public meant that IBM soon relinquished its exclusive rights. The term "ordinateur" quickly entered the common lexicon, becoming the standard name for these powerful information-processing machines in the French-speaking world.

The story of the word "ordinateur" is a powerful testament to the cultural dimension of semantics. It highlights how the careful consideration of etymology, historical context, and marketing appeal can shape the language we use to describe technological advancements. Professor Perret's meticulous work, his consideration of various linguistic paths, and his ultimate proposal of "ordinateur" provided a name that was not only descriptive but also carried a certain gravitas, a sense of order and purpose, that perfectly captured the essence of the machine it represented.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who invented the word 'computer' in French?

The word 'ordinateur' (the French term for computer) was coined by Professor Jacques Perret in 1955.

Why did IBM want a new name for 'calculateur'?

IBM's advertising department found the literal translation 'calculateur' (calculator) to be uninspiring and sought a more appealing and marketable name for their information processing machine, the IBM 650.

What was the original meaning of 'ordinateur'?

Professor Perret discovered that 'ordinateur' was an old theological term, meaning 'God who puts order in the world,' or in a liturgical context, 'one who performs ordinations and arranges ceremonies.'

What were some of the other names considered for 'computer'?

Other suggested names included 'systémateur,' 'combinateur,' 'digesteur,' 'congesteur,' and 'synthétiseur.' The feminine form 'ordinatrice' was also proposed.

Why was 'ordinateur' chosen over 'ordinatrice'?

While 'ordinatrice' was considered for its alignment with other feminine machine names and its further separation from theological connotations, IBM ultimately chose the masculine form 'ordinateur' for its IBM 650 machine.

Did IBM keep the rights to the word 'computer'?

IBM initially registered the trademark for 'ordinateur,' but the word was so well-received and quickly adopted into common usage that IBM eventually relinquished its exclusive rights.

The legacy of Professor Perret's linguistic contribution continues to shape our understanding of technology, reminding us that even the most technical terms can have rich and fascinating histories.

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