Beeper

Definition

A small, portable electronic device that receives numeric or text messages via radio signals, widely used before cell phones became mainstream in the 1980s and 1990s. Users would receive a notification on the device and had to find a phone to call back.

Example Usage

Back in the '90s, teenagers kept their beepers clipped to their jeans at all times.

Origin

From the beeping sound the device makes when a message arrives.

Fun Fact

Beepers remained popular in hospitals and emergency services long after cell phones took over, as they offered better coverage in buildings.

Source: Definition backfill (hailey)

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