Autocall

/ˈɔːtōkɔːl/ noun

Definition

An automated telephone system that dials numbers and plays recorded messages, or a pre-recorded marketing or informational call.

Etymology

From 'auto-' (Greek 'autos,' self) plus 'call' (from Old English). The compound emerged in the late 20th century with telecommunications technology.

Kelly Says

Autocalls are the voice of the digital age—simultaneously convenient for emergencies and notorious as spam. They represent a fundamental tension: automation saves time but removes human connection, which is why people dislike them so much.

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