0
Coachpotato Posted 21 years ago
Vocabulary

TRUNK CODE

'... Telephone numbers consist of a trunk code and a subscriber's number ...'

What's exactly a trunk code? Is it the same as an area code, or the number you have to dial when phoning a particular town or region? Is it American or British English?

Thanks in advance.
  

Top answer

Hi, I believe this is BrE, and that it's similar to an area code. Clive

— Clive

  • Hi, I believe this is BrE, and that it's similar to an area code.
  • Clive
Free · every Monday

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.

5 Answers
0
Hi,

I believe this is BrE, and that it's similar to an area code.

Clive
0
0
[T] I think you're right, Clive. Isn't a long-distance call in England called a "trunk call"? I wonder where the expression comes from. Perhaps some of our British friends can enlighten us. [T]
0
0
Hi,

I think electricans refer to a thick, 'main' electrical cable as a 'a trunk'. It's the same idea applied to telephone cable, basically.

Clive
0
0
I don't think "trunk call" is much used in BrE these days. I can't remember the last time I heard it. Even "long distance" isn't that common. People tend to say "local" or "national".

MrP
0
0
It's a phrase I have heard but I associate it with the 1940s or so.
0

Related Questions