How did the phrase "hear you out" or "hear me out" come about?
The phrase means "listen to whatever I have to say before you pass judgment on me," or "tell me whatever you want; I don't mind and won't pass judgment on you."
First, why is it "hear" and not "listen"?
Second, how is the "out" used in this context, and what is the purpose of the "out"?
Third, how old is this phrase?
Best Answer
Hear me out, according to one source (I am dubious) is from the first half of 1600s. Out means until the end. Hear as opposed to *listen" is choice; many people say, Listen to me.
Perhaps the origin is referring to the use of Hear ye, the call (along with a bell, gong, or drum) of the town criers, who were the means of communication with the people of a town, since many people could not read or write. Proclamations, local bylaws, market days, adverts, were all proclaimed by a bellman or crier.
In England, Chester records of 1540 show fees due to the bellman (town crier) so it's likely they were common before then.