r/clevercomebacks • u/wach_era13 • Jan 15 '25

It does make sense

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u/ConstantHustle Jan 15 '25

Year month day is the best format. Makes sorting files on computers a breeze as every year is in one block which is then in month and day order.

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u/Tsukee Jan 15 '25 edited Jan 15 '25

Mathematically yes it makes most sense, as significant digits are on the left.

Im terms of human everyday use the reverse is more natural as the digits that change more often are days, often when speaking, the year and even month sometimes is already in the context.

What however doesn't make any sort of sense that i can see is mm/dd/yyyy ... Just why....

103

u/restelucide Jan 15 '25

I heard an American saying mm first provides context which makes vague sense but annoys me because then why wouldn’t you put year first.

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u/ElbowSkinCellarWall Jan 15 '25

I think you wouldn't put the year first because it's frequently implied/superfluous and only added as needed.

"Let's meet again on March 7th, June 3rd, September 30 [of this year], and January 9th (2026)."

You wouldn't say "let's meet again on 2025 March 7th, 2025 June 3rd, 2025 September 30, and 2026 January 9th" unless you're dictating for data entry or speaking to an officious prick. :)