Have you ever wondered why, in certain parts of the world, a phone is referred to as a “blower”? This seemingly peculiar term for a device we use every day has a unique history that intertwines with cultural, technological, and linguistic evolution
However, the word “blower” for a phone is mostly British slang from the past, especially around the mid-20th century. It’s not entirely clear where it came from, but it’s likely because when you talked on the phone, your words were “blown” through the wires to the other person. This was just a casual way of saying “phone,” but nowadays, we use more standard terms like “phone” or “cell phone” instead.
So, let’s unravel the enigma together!
The Historical Evolution of the Term “Blower” for Telephones
The British slang term “blower” to refer to a telephone has a historical legacy that predates its documented usage in the mid-20th century, with the earliest known instance recorded in 1922 by the Oxford English Dictionary. This slang term, however, likely has origins that reach even further back.
Furthermore, the speaking tube is a mechanical device that before the telephone, is where the word “blower” originated. The speaking tube had a whistle on each end, and to attract the other person’s attention, one would take out the stopper and blow down the tube, which would sound the far whistle. The meaning of “blower” came to refer to communication devices because of this early form of communication.
Interestingly, the first usage noted in the OED comes from Edgar Wallace’s story “Flying Fifty-Five,” where the term “blower” is associated with a “blower service” at a club, but the context suggests an announcement service rather than a speaking-tube device. This indicates a transferred sense of the term, possibly originating from an earlier and unrecorded usage.
As time marched on, telecommunication technology advanced, and telephones became more prevalent in society. Consequently, the slang expression “blower” gradually lost favor, supplanted by modern, standardized terms like “phone” and “cell phone.”
The Waning Usage of “Blower” to Describe Telephones
Technological Progression: The continuous evolution of telecommunication technology has played a pivotal role in reshaping the lexicon associated with communication devices. With the considerable transformation from early, rudimentary telephones to the multifunctional marvels we know today, the term “blower” became antiquated. This relentless progress spurred the adoption of more conventional and pragmatic terminology, such as “phone” or “cell phone.”
Global Impact: Originally, “blower” was a slang term with distinctly British origins. However, the global proliferation of telecommunications and the pervasive influence of American English catalyzed a sweeping change in the linguistic landscape. The term “phone” gained universal acceptance and usage, marking a substantial departure from localized or regional slang expressions.
Generational Evolution: Language, particularly slang, often undergoes metamorphosis as it passes from one generation to the next. Younger generations, unaccustomed to the archaic “blower,” have readily embraced contemporary language.
Simultaneously, older generations, once familiar with the term, gradually relinquished its relevance. The resulting generational shift has significantly contributed to the term’s obsolescence.
Enhanced Clarity and Communication: A compelling reason for the dwindling popularity of “blower” lies in its lack of lucidity and specificity when compared to more modern expressions. Employing straightforward and universally understood language is paramount for effective communication, compelling the transition from obscure slang to precise terminology.
Cultural Linguistic Transformation: Language is a dynamic entity, forever in flux. Cultural norms and linguistic trends change over time, and certain slang expressions inevitably fall out of favor. “Blower” has, in essence, become a relic of historical linguistics, marking a noteworthy shift in cultural and linguistic norms.
FAQs
Why do people call a phone a blower?
People used to call a phone a “blower” because it reflected the early technology, where voices were “blown” through wires when speaking.
Is blower slang for a phone?
Yes, “blower” is a slang term that was used to refer to a phone, particularly in the mid-20th century, mainly in the UK.
What is a blower slang for?
“Blower” is slang for a telephone or phone.
Where does the saying “on the blower” come from?
saying “on the blower” originates from the slang term “blower” for a phone, signifying that someone is on the telephone or making a call.
Final Words
To sum up, the term “blower” for a phone, primarily used in the mid-20th century in the UK, likely emerged from the idea that speaking into a telephone felt like “blowing” your voice down the line to the person on the other end.
Afterward, this slang expression reflected the technology of the time, where voices traveled through tubes and wires. However, as phone technology evolved, more common terms like “phone” and “cell phone” took over, and “blower” became a somewhat outdated and informal way to refer to these communication devices.