Butt-dialing is a term that has become increasingly popular in recent years. It refers to the accidental pressing of buttons on a mobile phone, resulting in an unintended call or text message. This phenomenon has become so common that it has even been recognized by dictionaries and is now a part of everyday language.
Definitions
Butt-dialing is defined as the accidental activation of a mobile phone’s keypad, leading to the unintentional dialing of a phone number. The term is often used to describe the act of making a call or sending a text message without realizing it, typically due to the phone being in a pocket or purse.
Origin
The origin of the term butt-dial is uncertain, but it is thought to have originated in the early 2000s. The term is believed to have come about as a result of the increasing popularity of mobile phones and the fact that people were carrying them in their pockets or purses more often.
Meaning in different dictionaries
Butt-dial has been recognized by several dictionaries, including the Oxford English Dictionary and Merriam-Webster. The Oxford English Dictionary defines butt-dial as “to accidentally call someone from one’s mobile phone by sitting on it or otherwise inadvertently pressing buttons.” Merriam-Webster defines it as “to accidentally call (someone) on a cellphone by sitting on the phone or pressing buttons unintentionally.”
Associations
Butt-dialing is often associated with embarrassment, as the accidental call or text message can lead to awkward situations. It is also associated with inconvenience, as the person who receives the call or message may be busy or unable to answer.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of butt-dial include pocket-dial, purse-dial, and accidental dial.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms of butt-dial, but intentional dialing or texting could be considered the opposite.
The same root words
The term butt-dial is derived from two root words: butt, which refers to the buttocks, and dial, which refers to the act of making a phone call.
Example Sentences
- I accidentally butt-dialed my boss while I was in a meeting.
- My friend pocket-dialed me while she was at a concert.
- I hate when I get a butt-dial from someone because I never know if it was intentional or not.