<i>Prozvonit</ i>: A Czech word from the world of mobile phones

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Mobile phones have given the Czechs not just the opportunity not to set the exact time and place for their meetings but also a new word which is sorely lacking in English.

It is prozvonit and it means to ring somebody on their mobile phone just without wanting them to answer it. This is usually prearranged and is done to save money when no conversation is necessary just a reminder.

For instance, Až přijdeš před barák, prozvoň mě, a já ti přijdu otevřít. means When you're in front of my house, ring me on the mobile (I won't pick it up) and I will come and open the door. A very awkward concept to express in English.

The last point of interest is that it takes the accusative. i.e. prozvonit někoho. Which is different from zazvonit na někoho (to rign at someone) or zavolat někomu (to call someone, which takes the dative).

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In English, we do have phrases, albeit not a word, for ringing someone without them answering. We just say that we'll "2 ring" or "miss call". So people say "when I'm outside, I'll miss call you". Hardly original, it's just coz that's what the screen says when you don't answer a call.

Very interesting! In South African English, at least, 'prozvonit nekoho' is rendered by 'to scotch someone'. E.g. 'Scotch me when you're downstairs and I'll come down.' or 'Give me a scotch call when you leave home.'

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