Telephone Tuesday
It's that unofficial transition day, when summer's last hurrah gives way to the everyday hustle, and white clothing quietly retires.
The day after Labor Day can be a busy time following such a fun, end-of-summer holiday weekend. In fact, there is so much to do and so many calls to make on this day that it has been dubbed Telephone Tuesday.
So get ready to make and receive some calls on this, one of the busiest phone call days of the year!
How to Celebrate Telephone Tuesday
Those who are looking for interesting ways to celebrate Telephone Tuesday need to look no further! Check out some of these ideas for observing the day and making it special:
Make a Phone Call
Some folks have gotten pretty far away from making actual phone calls. With a range of communication options from emails to texts to video chats, the idea of making just a regular old telephone call might feel a bit strange.
But Telephone Tuesday might be the perfect time to make a phone call, whether to a business to set up an appointment or calling a friend just to say hello. Certainly, Mom, Grandma, or Aunt Betty would be thrilled to receive a telephone call on this day!
Learn More About the Telephone
An excellent way to pay homage to this unique communication device on Telephone Tuesday might be to learn and share some fun facts about the phone. Check out and share some of these interesting tidbits of information about the telephone, or do a quick online search and come up with some of your own:
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In the 1990s there were more than two million pay phones that were in existence in the United States, but the advent of the mobile cell phone changed that. Now there are only about 100,000 pay phones left in the entire nation.
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Alexander Graham Bell’s suggestion for the word to use when answering the phone was “ahoy”, but it was Thomas Edison who felt “hello” was better. People in many countries all over the world often use this greeting, even in non-English-speaking places.
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The first working mobile phone was invented in 1983. Made by Motorola, this wireless phone took ten hours to charge and could be used for only 30 minutes!
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Telephones used to work with a human switchboard operator. The caller would dial up the operator, tell them to whom they wanted to place their call, and the operator would plug the wires in manually.
Be Kind Today
Those who work for a company or in an industry where they receive a large number of phone calls might find this day to be a bit challenging!
But going into the day prepared with the proper mindset is half the battle.
Instead of getting annoyed or stressed out by the inordinate number of phone calls received on Telephone Tuesday, just take a deep breath and remember that each person deserves to take their turn to make their appointment, have their questions answered or get whatever service it is that they need.
Create a Telephone Tuesday Playlist
Looking for some fun and silly tunes to play while waiting on hold for the right person to get on the line? Perhaps it would be fun to make a playlist through Apple Music, Spotify or another favorite music platform, including songs that go along with the theme for Telephone Tuesday.
Check out some of these ideas for songs to get started with:
- 867-5309/Jenny by Tommy Tutone (1982). This One Hit Wonder classic from the early eighties offers a funny story and a blast from the past.
- Hello by Adele (2015). This hit song from the album “25” and the lyrics explore themes about reconnecting with self and the world.
- Call Me by Blondie (1980). Another cool tune from the eighties was featured on the soundtrack of the movie, American Gigolo, starring Richard Gere and Lauren Hutton.
- Call Me Maybe by Carly Rae Jepsen (2011). This one was written as a folk song but was modified to a pop song and became a huge hit.
For those who really enjoy talking on the phone, this device can be celebrated almost any day of the year!
But some of the other days related to the telephone that are observed at other times include Alexander Graham Bell Day in March, National Telephone Day in April, or National Emma M. Nutt Day celebrated in September.
History of Telephone Tuesday
When the telephone was invented, more than a century in the 1880s, the world was changed forever. It may have started slowly, with a few telephone lines put into some major cities, but the technology blossomed all over the world.
By the middle of the 20th century, the majority of homes in the United States had a telephone. And by 1998, the number of telephones in the nation surpassed the number of people.
And even though the use of the internet and email has certainly changed the way that modern people use their phones, there are still some things that have to be accomplished with a phone call. And Telephone Tuesday is here for it!
Telephone Tuesday is the day that there seem to be more calls made in the United States than any other day. Situated on the day after the Labor Day holiday weekend, perhaps it makes sense that calls are flooding that weren’t made over the holiday weekend.
This is also a time when people tend to want to check boxes off of their to-do lists, including doing things they’ve been putting off, like making doctor appointments or calling the dentist.
Or it could be a time to make a call to the auto repairman about the mysterious dent that showed up in the bumper over the weekend.
Just remember that the person on the other end of the line is probably having a busy Telephone Tuesday, so be sure to give them some extra patience on this day – and perhaps every day!
Telephone Tuesday FAQs
Why do people procrastinate calls until Telephone Tuesday?
Many people delay making phone calls during summer vacations or the Labor Day weekend.
After the break, they feel the urge to catch up on scheduling appointments or addressing unresolved issues. This creates the unique post-holiday surge in calls.
What were some strange early uses of the telephone?
In the 19th century, people used telephones for broadcasting news and music.
Farmers even used telephone wires to electrify fences, which wasn’t the intended purpose! It shows how early adopters got creative with the new technology.
What are some fun games related to telephones?
The classic “telephone game” is always a hit, where a message is whispered down a line and hilariously distorted.
Modern versions include digital variations where texts or emojis are passed along in group chats to see how much they change.
How did the first telephone operators handle calls?
Early operators connected calls manually by plugging wires into a switchboard.
Women were often hired for these roles due to their “calm and polite” voices. However, strict rules forbade them from chatting with customers.
Did people trust telephones when they were invented?
Not entirely. Some feared telephones would harm health by emitting invisible “electric waves.”
Others believed criminals might use them to eavesdrop or plot in secret. It took years for people to trust and adopt the device fully.
Do any cultures have unique ways of handling phone etiquette?
In Japan, answering a phone call in public is considered rude. People usually find a private spot before speaking.
Meanwhile, in Italy, many prefer casual phone conversations over texting, reflecting their love for lively discussions.
What’s the weirdest call volume surge not on Telephone Tuesday?
Tax Day in the U.S., usually April 15, is another major phone call spike. Thousands of people scramble to contact accountants or the IRS at the last minute, causing massive delays.
How did phone numbers evolve over time?
In the beginning, callers simply asked operators to connect them by name, not number.
Numbers were introduced as more people got phones. In the 1960s, area codes allowed for the first long-distance dialing.
Are there any unusual “telephone holidays”?
World Telecommunication Day, celebrated on May 17, honors the role of communication in bridging divides. It’s less playful than Telephone Tuesday but focuses on global connectivity and tech innovation.
Are any ancient communication tools still in use today?
Surprisingly, yes! In remote parts of the Himalayas and the Amazon, messenger systems like drums or horns still work better than phones. These tools are often faster than setting up phone lines in rugged terrain.
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