A mobile-phoney, as defined by the Irish rail system’s new ad campaign, is someone on a train who pretends to be having a phone conversation in order to prevent fellow passengers from taking the seat next to them. This is part of a complete episode.
Transcript of “Mobile-Phoney”
I have another neologism from the Irish Railway’s Give Up Your Seat campaign.
These signs that are on the trains that describe behaviors that you might use to keep somebody off the seat next to you.
Here’s one. It’s a noun. A mobile phony.
A mobile phony is somebody who’s exploiting one’s mobile phone in a fraudulent manner by engaging in a fake phone conversation, avoiding any obligation to give up their seat.
I’m sorry.
I was on this call.
Can you repeat that?
I was just doing something over here on my phone talking to somebody else.
But I get it.
I know those people.
I’ve been that person, I’m afraid.
I’ve seen women do it at night when they have the phone conversation, real or imagined, because they’re not sure if I’m dangerous or not.
You betcha.
You betcha.
I know you’re not dangerous.
I’m a stranger.
If I’m a stranger, you don’t know.
I’m a big guy.
That’s true.
Right in the dark street.
That’s true.
I am guilty.
I’m a mobile phony.
But on the train, do you do it?
On the subway?
Yes.
You do.
You’re a terrible person, Martha Barnette.
What do you want?
If I ever see you on the subway.
I want the seat next to me is what I want.
And I want you to call us on your mobile phone, 877-929-9673.
