A “retronym” is a new term that’s invented for something old because the original term has become ambiguous, usually because of some development such as a technological advance.
For example, a “landline” phone is a retronym because phones were just phones until cell phones were invented. I.C.E. cars were just cars until electric cars became a thing.
And the next time your phone rings, think about how that skinny little box is playing an electronic tune. Where’s the bell? (Which most METARs are old enough to remember those nice big metal bells inside phones.) And why does the symbol for “phone” look like the old AT&T handset even though most young people use cell phones and even landline phones don’t use that shape of handset anymore?
“And why does the symbol for “phone” look like the old AT&T handset even though most young people use cell phones and even landline phones don’t use that shape of handset anymore?”
That’s easy to answer. Old people still run the world…
I mean, look at our government (executive and senate). Reminds me of images of Russia from the 60’s.
And the next time your phone rings, think about how that skinny little box is playing an electronic tune. Where’s the bell? (Which most METARs are old enough to remember those nice big metal bells inside phones.)
And the next time you’re in your car on a hot day, don’t forget to ‘roll down’ the windows.