In British slang, a phone is sometimes called a “blower” because the term originates from a mechanical precursor to the telephone: speaking tubes. These tubes, used for communication, often had whistles at each end to signal the other party, requiring a “blowing” sound to get their attention.This historical connection is why the term “blower” became associated with the telephone.
Here’s a more detailed explanation:
Speaking Tubes:
Before telephones, speaking tubes were used in various settings, including ships, to transmit speech over a distance.
Whistles:
These tubes often had a whistle at one end, which would be blown to get the attention of the person at the other end of the tube.
Blowing to Connect:
The act of “blowing” into the tube to communicate was the direct link to the slang term “blower”.
Slang Usage:
The term “blower” for a telephone was then adopted in British slang, likely in the early 20th century.
Cockney Rhyming Slang:
In Cockney rhyming slang, “blower” can also be a shortened version of “Percy Thrower”, which is rhyming slang for “blower” itself.
