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The idea of this thread is to list phrases that are still used in the same context, but refer to cultural or physical objects that are, for all intents and purposes, obsolete.

For example: "I'll cc you on that" - the original CC refers to carbon copy, which indicates that this memo was copied and given to those people on the list
Another example: "Here's a dime/quarter call someone who cares"- refer to the cost of a call on a payphone. The phrase is still used, but very few working payphones exist in today's world

Two examples of things that don't fit the criteria:
- "A penny for your thoughts" - because people still have pennies and occasionally use them.
- "Beam me that app" - both the method and the phrase are more or less obsolete.

Examples pulled from the thread:
That and a token will get you on the subway
Here's a dime/quarter, call someone who cares.
V'Nafal li Ha'Asimon (Hebrew)
You sound like a broken record
Hang up the phone
Off the hook
Dialing a number
Rewind the tape / Be Kind Rewind
Leave me a message on my machine
Let's go to the video tape / roll the tape /The highlight reel / show me the clip* (Clip can refer to a modern video, but literally refers to a cut piece of film)
Getting clotheslined
Put something on the map
Roll down the window
A music 'Single'
"You've got mail"
"Mind if I borrow the sports section?"
"Do you have change for a dollar?"

Note - not a definitive list, and very subjective. Feel free to edit.





« Last edited by Yonah on January 29, 2020, 11:24:01 AM »

Author Topic: Phrases that Haven't Aged Well  (Read 37279 times)

Offline ExGingi

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Re: Phrases that Haven't Aged Well
« Reply #120 on: January 28, 2020, 02:01:21 PM »
mostly amazon

Except when they feel it's critical for packages to be delivered.
I've been waiting over 5 years with bated breath for someone to say that!
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Offline Yonah

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Re: Phrases that Haven't Aged Well
« Reply #121 on: January 28, 2020, 03:04:53 PM »
People still fedex?

LOL - should've wrote - 'Why is this a phrase that hasn't aged, people still fedex?'

 ;D

Offline ExGingi

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Re: Phrases that Haven't Aged Well
« Reply #122 on: January 28, 2020, 10:33:32 PM »
I guess that's an improperly aged NY phrase given the recent "reforms" which make "doing the time" a non-issue.

Case in point:

https://nypost.com/2020/01/28/long-island-judge-ignores-bail-law-refuses-release-of-menace-to-society/
I've been waiting over 5 years with bated breath for someone to say that!
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Re: Phrases that Haven't Aged Well
« Reply #123 on: January 28, 2020, 10:37:32 PM »
Only on DDF does 24/6 mean 24/5/half/half

Offline chevron

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Re: Phrases that Haven't Aged Well
« Reply #124 on: January 28, 2020, 11:36:15 PM »
Oh man, who remembers a free Yahoo voicemail account or college club.

I actually collect called to Israel in my youth.

Or freeway for free long distance calls.

It's actually how I heard about Frank McCourt and his memoir Angela's ashes.

"You can't come in with roller blades on".
But I see roller blades are making a comeback

Offline chevron

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Re: Phrases that Haven't Aged Well
« Reply #125 on: January 28, 2020, 11:37:22 PM »
"do you have change for a dollar ?".

"Do you know the time?"

"Mind if I borrow the sports section?"


Offline Dan

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Re: Phrases that Haven't Aged Well
« Reply #126 on: January 28, 2020, 11:40:15 PM »
Or freeway for free long distance calls.
Nothing worse than listening to a bunch of ads and then nobody answered the call.
I started calling collect just to make sure someone was there to reject the call and answer the freeway call :D
Save your time, I don't answer PM. Post it in the forum and a dedicated DDF'er will get back to you as soon as possible.

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Re: Phrases that Haven't Aged Well
« Reply #127 on: January 29, 2020, 06:38:40 AM »
"Mind if I borrow the sports section?"
Classic
Only on DDF does 24/6 mean 24/5/half/half

Offline yuneeq

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Re: Phrases that Haven't Aged Well
« Reply #128 on: January 29, 2020, 09:11:03 AM »
The clock is ticking
It’s coming down to the wire
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Offline Yonah

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Re: Phrases that Haven't Aged Well
« Reply #129 on: January 29, 2020, 11:23:23 AM »
"do you have change for a dollar ?".
....
"Mind if I borrow the sports section?"

These two are wiki worthy. Added.

Offline Yonah

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Re: Phrases that Haven't Aged Well
« Reply #130 on: January 29, 2020, 11:24:38 AM »
The clock is ticking
It’s coming down to the wire

How are these obsolete? People still have ticking watches and wall clocks?

Offline ltttc

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Re: Phrases that Haven't Aged Well
« Reply #131 on: January 29, 2020, 11:51:49 AM »
Did we pay the Keyspan bill?

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Re: Phrases that Haven't Aged Well
« Reply #132 on: January 29, 2020, 12:03:58 PM »
We need a thread for phrases we never heard before but you did.  :)
Only on DDF does 24/6 mean 24/5/half/half

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Re: Phrases that Haven't Aged Well
« Reply #133 on: January 29, 2020, 12:24:51 PM »
"hey taxi!"

"Can you take a small box for me to Israel "

"Anything interesting come in the mail today "

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Re: Phrases that Haven't Aged Well
« Reply #134 on: January 29, 2020, 12:34:40 PM »
"hey taxi!"

"Can you take a small box for me to Israel "

"Anything interesting come in the mail today "
Should have stopped at:  :)
"Mind if I borrow the sports section?"
Only on DDF does 24/6 mean 24/5/half/half

Offline ExGingi

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Re: Phrases that Haven't Aged Well
« Reply #135 on: January 29, 2020, 01:13:08 PM »
Did we pay the Keyspan bill?

Was the the new name for Brooklyn Union Gas?
I've been waiting over 5 years with bated breath for someone to say that!
-- Dan

Offline yuneeq

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Re: Phrases that Haven't Aged Well
« Reply #136 on: January 29, 2020, 01:33:47 PM »
How are these obsolete? People still have ticking watches and wall clocks?

I can’t remember the last time I heard a clock/watch ticking.

The other one has to do with the horse racing finish line. 
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Offline Yonah

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Re: Phrases that Haven't Aged Well
« Reply #137 on: January 29, 2020, 01:46:22 PM »
I can’t remember the last time I heard a clock/watch ticking.
I still have seen one or two clocks that tick. Watches too.


The other one has to do with the horse racing finish line.
they still race horses don't they? (Even if they do it with robots)

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Re: Phrases that Haven't Aged Well
« Reply #138 on: January 29, 2020, 01:54:11 PM »
I can’t remember the last time I heard a clock/watch ticking.

I just checked, mine does
Workflowy. You won't know what you're missing until you try it.

Offline yuneeq

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Re: Phrases that Haven't Aged Well
« Reply #139 on: January 29, 2020, 02:00:26 PM »
I still have seen one or two clocks that tick. Watches too.

So have I, but I've also seen record players being used more recently than that.

Quote
they still race horses don't they? (Even if they do it with robots)

They do, but they don't decide the winner with a wire anymore.
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