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Glite Dictionary
Jesus phone

Jesus phone

9.9
A mobile phone, often an iPhone, that many people want and treat as special
  • noun
  • /ˈdʒiːzəs foʊn/
  • Slang
translation icon : teléfono de Jesús
  • Many reviewers called the original iPhone the first true Jesus phone of its generation.

Examples

  • He waited in line all night to buy the latest Jesus phone.

  • The new Jesus phone sold out within hours of its release.

  • I just got a new Jesus phone!

  • Have you seen her Jesus phone?

  • He waited in line all night to buy the latest Jesus phone.

  • Many reviewers called the original iPhone the first true Jesus phone of its generation.

  • The new Jesus phone sold out within hours of its release.

Synonyms

smartphone
vsJesus phone
227 1.8

A small computer you carry with a touchscreen that makes calls and runs apps

is slang that gives it special or spiritual desirability
phone
vsJesus phone
190 1.0

A pair of small speakers you wear on or in your ears to listen to sound

is slang that refers only to advanced touchscreen models seen as special
mobile phone
vsJesus phone
58 1.0

A small telephone you carry to call, text, and go online

is slang that elevates modern advanced models to special desirability
droid
vsJesus phone
  • Informal
17 4.7

A smartphone that runs Android

is slang that treats this device type as highly desirable or sacred

How Desirable

Jesus phone
  • Slang
9.9
iPhone
488 2.3
smartphone
227 1.8
mobile phone
58 1.0

Surface Forms

Jesus phone singular
Jesus phones plural

Morphology

Jesus + phone

The compound links a highly familiar proper noun 'Jesus' (a revered figure) with 'phone', so a learner who knows both words can plausibly infer a metaphorical meaning of a phone that is especially valued or treated reverently. However the slangy, culture-specific nuances (e.g. ironic use, association specifically with iPhones, or spiritual connotations) are not fully predictable from the parts, making the expression only partially transparent.

Etymology

Jesus phone puts Jesus, a sign of worship, next to phone to paint a picture of a device praised like a miracle and for which fans would even line up for hours. That's why it means 'a smartphone seen as very special or almost holy'.