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"phone" is a weird word to use for these devices. It's a computer in your pocket with instant access to the Internet that just haphazardly has a GSM module for legacy reasons.


This is even more striking when my kids (3 & 5) ask for my phone: I'm watching a common word get completely changed for the next generation. Adults think "phone" as a verbal communication device, often having been overloaded with a stunning amount of alternate communications & computing power. Young kids see a "phone" as a visual toy and movie player, with data communications, and voice calls relegated to "yeah, you can do that too". "Phone" may very well largely replace "computer".


Words change in definition. Very few people have a 'traditional' phone now, so the word would become useless if we didn't repurpose it.

What is wrong with calling them phones, exactly?


They should call them communicators, like on Star Trek. Unfortunately that ship has sailed.


I actually prefer the UK word "mobile" which takes away the phone connotation, and combines with "computer" as well as "phone."


::whispers into your ear:: "PIN number..., ATM machine...*"




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