In British informal and old-fashioned slang, “the blower” means the telephone. It’s a term that originated from naval slang referring to a speaking tube, which was a precursor to the telephone.
Here’s a more detailed explanation:
Historical Context:
Speaking tubes were used on ships and other locations to transmit sound over a distance. The person at the receiving end would often be alerted by a whistle or other sound, hence the association with “blowing” to get attention.
Modern Usage:
While the term is considered dated, it’s still understood in the UK as a reference to the telephone, especially in older or more informal contexts.
Example:
You might hear someone say, “I’ll give him a call on the blower,” meaning they’ll telephone him.
Contrast with US usage:
In the US, “the horn” is sometimes used as a similar slang term for the telephone.
