The term "get on the horn" is a slang expression that means to make a phone call. The word "horn" in this phrase refers to the old-fashioned telephone handset that resembled a horn. The sound of the word is transcribed as /gɛt ɒn ðə hɔːn/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The "ɛ" sound in "get" is pronounced with an open mid-front unrounded vowel, and the "hɔːn" is pronounced with an open back unrounded vowel. This slang phrase is commonly used in the United States and Canada.
"Get on the horn" is an idiomatic expression that is primarily used in informal contexts, often in colloquial spoken language. It refers to the act of making a telephone call, typically with the intention of initiating or engaging in a conversation with someone. The phrase "get on" indicates the initiation or start of an action, while "the horn" is a metaphorical term for the telephone, deriving from the old-fashioned use of horns as the speaking apparatus in early models of telephones.
The term "get on the horn" implies a quick and urgent manner in which the caller is expected to communicate with the other person. It can be used to convey a sense of immediacy or importance associated with the conversation. The phrase can also be employed in a more casual manner to encourage someone to reach out to another person via telephone.
The expression has its origins in American English, particularly during the mid-20th century when telephones became more widely available and used in daily life. It remains a popular saying to this day, although advancements in technology have rendered the traditional telephone or "horn" somewhat obsolete. Nonetheless, the phrase still conveys the idea of making a phone call and has been adapted to include modern means of communication, such as mobile phones.