Wednesday, February 25, 2026

Why is it called a ‘cellphone’?

The etymological roots of the term "cellphone" can be traced to the early 1970s — before cellphones even existed.
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Vocabulary

Why is it called a 'cellphone'?

The etymological roots of the term "cellphone" can be traced to the early 1970s — before cellphones even existed. However, the origin still relates to the world of communication.

holding old flip phone

C ellphones are a big part of modern society's makeup, and it would be hard for many of us to imagine going through life without one. But the term "cellphone" has nothing to do with biology or the cells that comprise all living things. Instead, the roots of the term can be traced back to the advent of early cellular networks and how they functioned.

The word "cellular" has been associated with biology since the early 18th century, but in the 1970s it came to describe a burgeoning technology. That decade saw the launch of cellular networks — radiotelephone systems subdivided into small sections called cells. These cells were geographic regions serviced by a transmitter with limited range. They were called cells because if you looked at a map, each network cell resembled a biological cell under a microscope.

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Egg emoji

Egg

Meaning: Depicts a whole egg standing upright with an intact shell, appearing either brown or white.


Evolution: The Egg emoji πŸ₯š is pretty straightforward. It often comes up in conversations about food, groceries, and Easter decorations. Other egg emojis include the Hatching Chick 🐣, the Nest With Eggs πŸͺΊ, and Cooking 🍳.


Usage: [Family group chat:] Easter egg hunt starts at 10 a.m. sharp! πŸ₯šπŸ°

Brawler by Lauren Groff

Brawler

By Lauren Groff

When I find myself in a reading rut, I like to reach for short stories to shake me out of the funk, and Lauren Groff's collections are among the best. In merely a paragraph, she can descriptively introduce four characters and build a whole world around them. Each of the stories in "Brawler" stands on its own, yet certain themes and undertones unite them. This collection of short stories is recommended for readers who want to immerse themselves in fiction but can't stop falling asleep after five pages.

Samantha Abernethy, Word Smarts Writer

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Gen Z Abbreviations You Should Know

When you're conversing across generations, it can feel like you're speaking different languages. Brush up on the most-used Gen Z acronyms to bridge the gap.

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