Beeper Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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beeper
[ˈbiːpər ]
Definition
electronic device
A beeper, also known as a pager, is a small telecommunications device that receives and displays alphanumeric or text messages. It was widely used in the 1980s and 1990s, primarily for mobile communications, before the advent of cell phones. Beepers work by receiving a signal from a radio tower and alerting the user via a beep or vibration. While popularity has waned due to advances in technology, some professionals still use beepers for critical communications where phone use may not be feasible.
Synonyms
alert device, pager.
Examples of usage
- I received an urgent message on my beeper.
- Doctors often carry beepers to stay connected.
- She felt it vibrate in her pocket, her beeper alerting her.
- The company provided beepers for the emergency response team.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- The device was first created in the 1940s, originally used by doctors to receive urgent messages.
- Beeper technology evolved from radio communication systems used during World War II.
Technology
- Bleepers were one of the first portable communication tools before cell phones became popular.
- They functioned using radio waves, notifying users with beeps when someone needed to get in touch.
Culture
- In the 1990s, beepers became a trendy accessory among teens, often seen as a symbol of status and connectivity.
- The term 'pager' is commonly used interchangeably with 'beeper,' and they were crucial in the rise of instant communication.
Pop Culture
- In movies and TV shows from the 90s, characters are often shown receiving urgent news through their beepers, highlighting their importance at the time.
- Beeper use featured prominently in crime dramas, where they were depicted as vital tools for drug dealers and other fast-paced lifestyles.
Health
- Some medical professionals still use beepers for reliable and straightforward communication in the hospital settings.
- They are favored in certain situations because they have longer battery life compared to modern smartphones.
Origin of 'beeper'
The word 'beeper' originated in the United States around the late 20th century, stemming from the sound that these devices make when they alert the user. Pagers emerged in the 1950s and quickly gained popularity as a means of personal communication in various fields, including healthcare and business. The proliferation of mobile phones in the late 1990s and early 2000s led to a decline in the use of beepers, but they remain in use in some industries, particularly in medical settings where immediate communication is crucial. The term has since evolved and is now commonly associated with any device that emits a beep as an alert.