Mobile phone or cell phone?

@cyberfluf (4996)
Netherlands
January 25, 2009 2:17pm CST
Dare I question why there are 2 names out there for exactly the same device? Is it because one is English and the other is American (English)? And if so, which one belongs to which country? I haven't a clue! I see a lot of people using both of them, I guess whatever comes to mind first. But I am really curious about the real story behind them. It seems that mobile phone is more British/English than a cell phone, but this is just a wild guess. Would you suggest that it is better to use one over the other or doesn't it make any difference? Are these the only two words out there for this device or do you know even more?
2 people like this
2 responses
ellie333
@ellie333 (21016)
•
25 Jan 09
Hi Cyberfluf, Here in ngland we have always called it a obile phone so you guessed correctly as in America they do call t a cell phone. I really don't know why though and don't know of any other names for them. Huggles. Ellie :D
1 person likes this
cyberfluf
@cyberfluf (4996)
• Netherlands
26 Jan 09
Thank you for the insight, Ellie :-) Here in Holland we call it a 'mobiele telefoon' which basicly is the exact translation of mobile phone. I think cell phone came up because of the sort of battery they use in these phones? Perhaps someone from the US will reply and tell us more. Have a great day!
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James72
@James72 (26790)
• Australia
26 Jan 09
The term cell is just a shortening of the word "cellular" cyberfluf. Cellular Networks were the original radio frequency environments and the name carried on from there.
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ellie333
@ellie333 (21016)
•
26 Jan 09
Well we now have the answer Cyberfluf. Thanks James. Huggles. Ellie :D
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James72
@James72 (26790)
• Australia
26 Jan 09
In Australia we generally refer to it as a mobile phone also. I find myself calling it both these days because here in Egypt they tend to call it a cell phone as well. I don't see any problems with using both terms, but people in my country may consider it a bit odd to be saying cell phone over mobile. Maybe things have changed now, but this is the way it was a few years back. Cell is more of an Americanism for sure.
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cyberfluf
@cyberfluf (4996)
• Netherlands
26 Jan 09
It's fun to hear that I can be so much different in different countries. Sometimes there are only minor changes in a word (like color and colour) but mobile phone and cell phone is a pretty big change. I do think pretty much anyone will understand you though, no matter which one you use. I like the background info you posted a lot, James. It gives me a better idea where the name cell phone comes from. Have a great day and say hello to granny for me .
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James72
@James72 (26790)
• Australia
26 Jan 09
I'll sat Hi to Granny, don't worry. (She won't hear a damn word of it, but it's the thought that counts!)