noun
blower
An old-fashioned slang term for a telephone.
The British character told him to get on the blower.
Etymology
Blower was used for a speaking tube, through which someone could blow to attract attention before speaking. The name transferred to the telephone as another device for communication at a distance.
More examples
- She used the office blower to call the supplier.
- In the old comedy, he spends all morning on the blower.
- The memoir uses blower as slang for the telephone.
Forms
blower
Similar words
- telephone
- Telephone is the ordinary term; blower is old-fashioned British slang.