7/1/09
Where is my Handy?: German for Mobile Phone
By Laurel Sutton
I follow Stephen Fry on Twitter and he’s loads of fun – he loves languages and actually understand linguistics. He’s in Germany now and offered proof that a mobile phone really is called a “handy”, use of which is both amusing and practical (in my opinion). But he also recorded a short audio clip poking fun at the use of “handy” in a very over-the-top German accent. (Warning: not entirely safe for work, use headphones)
I had my handy, I swear to god!
Tags: mobile phone names, mobile phone naming, naming system, technology naming, Twitter
July 2nd, 2009 at 10:02 am
Loved reading this early in the morning, Laurel. One could replace “handy” with so many nouns. Coffee? New designer bag? Car keys? Pet rattlesnake?
Would love to see more about mobile phone language around the world. U rock.