robo-call

n. an automated (telemarketing) phone call. Subjects: English, Technology

Editorial Note: Robo, from robot, is a long-standing prefix used to indicate automation or mechanization.

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Citations: 1991 [Peter da Silva] Usenet: comp.org.eff.talk (Apr. 13) “Re: Retaliate against Robot salesmen (Update)”: Last time I got robocalled, the discussion went something like: “Would you like blah blah blah insurance information…?” 1993 [Spiros Triantafyllopoulos] Usenet: news.admin.misc (Sept. 23) “Re: Usenet Death and Freedom of Speech: Controversy?”: I don’t recall any robo-caller owner complaining about Freedom of Speech. 1994 [Dean Ridgway] Usenet: comp.society.privacy (July 9) “Re: Question About CallerID”: As far as telemarketers go, ask them to remove you from their list, if they continue to call (or if its a robo-call) then (don’t know about availability in other states) start hitting *57 (call trace) which logs the number with the phone company as a harassing call. 1995 Laura Brooks Arizona Daily Star (Sept. 14) “Voice mail is a boon to some, but a hang-up for others” p. 1B: Cochrane’s employer recently turned to Robo-call. Last month, Montgomery Ward’s credit department switched on an automated…number—and immediately heard the wrath of its customers. 2004 Alexandra Pelosi @ Napoleon, Ohio Sneaking Into the Flying Circus (Oct. 31) p. 264 @ (May 3, 2005): These women actually believed that a campaign robocall was Arnold himself calling, and from the excitement that her story generated it was clear that people love getting woken up by celebrities. 2005 Justin Fenton Baltimore Sun (Md.) (July 27) “Nation in grip of record hot spell”: In the city, an automated message from Mayor Martin O’Malley—a “robo call,” his office termed it—alerted seniors to their options regarding relief from the heat.

Posted 18 Aug 05 | Permalink | Tell a Friend

Reader comments:

There’s also “robo-caller,” which dates to 1993 on the Usenet archive: news.admin.misc, 9/23/93, “I don’t recall any robo-caller owner complaining about Freedom of Speech.”

by Ben Zimmer 18 Aug 05, 0637 GMT

Nice. Thanks, Ben.

by Grant Barrett 18 Aug 05, 0647 GMT

And let’s not forget about the verb! From comp.org.eff.talk, 4/13/91: “Last time I got robocalled, the discussion went something like: ‘Would you like blah blah blah insurance information blah blah blah sent to you no fee no obligation blah blah blah…?‘“

by Ben Zimmer 18 Aug 05, 0843 GMT

I have used robo calling in my last three elections. As a state representative it is important to use a professional automated calling provider. www.GOPcalls.com has been the provider I have used my last two elections. www.GOPcalls.com provides the best and most professional robo calling and automated calling and dialing solutions in the industry.

by Jermey Stevens 02 Jan 08, 0619 GMT