The Top Ten: Obsolete technology clichés

John Rentoul
Saturday 27 February 2016 23:54 GMT
Comments
I'll ring you: 'Nobody's phone rings any more – the best ones play the Two Ronnies theme tune,' says Matt Chorley
I'll ring you: 'Nobody's phone rings any more – the best ones play the Two Ronnies theme tune,' says Matt Chorley (Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

This list was Tom Peck's idea, after someone said they had someone else 'on speed dial'. Arieh Kovler pointed out that he uses speed dial on a mobile, but that 'dial' itself is an obsolete term

1. Stay tuned

On Tom Peck's wavelength.

2. Carbon copy

Nominated by Andrew Old. Or we could have had blueprint, from Cameron Smith.

3. Rewind

Muniba Kamal goes back.

4. 'Paging John Rentoul'

Message from David Mills, who is too young to know.

5. A broken record

Scratched by Graham Sutton.

6. Upper and lower case

"Such defunct print cases are now found only in junk shops, or in very tidy homes as receptacles for Polly Pockets and other treasured items," says Chris Sladen.

7. I'll ring you

"Nobody's phone rings any more – the best ones play the Two Ronnies theme tune," says Matt Chorley.

8. Slideshow

Once with a carousel of transparencies. From Chris Jones.

9. Cut and paste

Rearranged by Graham Sutton.

10. Hangs up

Another phone-related one, brought to an end by Peter Mannion MP.

Next week: Big speeches that flopped (such as IDS's 'quiet man … turning up the volume')

Coming soon: Backronyms (such as Gross – Get Rid Of Slimy girlS). Send your suggestions, and ideas for future Top 10s, to top10@independent.co.uk

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in