When someone tells you to "ring me," they're inviting you to call them on their phone. This phrase expresses a desire to stay connected and communicate, whether for catching up, discussing important matters, or making plans. This idiom is especially common in British English.
In short:
"Ring me" is a request or an offer to call someone on the phone.
The idiom "ring me" is an informal way of asking someone to give you a telephone call. It originated from the sound a traditional landline telephone makes when receiving a call, which is often described as "ringing.
Key aspects of the idiom's meaning:
The phrase "ring me" originated from the ringing sound that traditional telephones make when they receive a call. The word "ring" in this context is a metaphorical use of the standard meaning of the word, which is to create a resonant sound, much like a bell. This idiom is more common in British English than in American English, where the phrase "call me" is used more frequently.
"Oh. Will you ring me up again?"
- Punch, or The London Charivari, 1900
Here are some examples of how to use the phrase "ring me" in sentences:
The idiom "ring me" often appears in music, television, and films, particularly those originating from the UK:
There are many synonyms and phrases that can be used as alternatives to "ring me," depending on the context:
The phrase "ring me" is an informal way of asking someone to call you on the telephone.
The idiom "ring me" comes from the ringing sound that traditional telephones make when they receive a call.
While "ring me" is acceptable in casual and informal contexts, in a formal setting it would be more appropriate to use phrases like "give me a call" or "please contact me by phone."
Yes, "ring me" can be used in a text or email, particularly when arranging a future phone call.
Phrases like "call me," "phone me," or "give me a call" can be used as synonyms for "ring me."
"Ring me" is more commonly used in British English. In American English, the phrase "call me" is more frequently used.
Yes, even though the technology has changed, the phrase "ring me" is still used to mean "call me" on the phone, whether the device is a landline or a mobile phone.
"Ring me" is generally considered informal, so it might not be the best choice for communicating with someone you don't know well. Instead, "give me a call" or "please contact me" might be more appropriate.
Yes, "ring me" and "call me" have the same meaning, but "ring me" is more commonly used in British English while "call me" is more common in American English.
The phrase "ring me" is an informal way of asking someone to call you on the telephone. Although it originated from the ringing sound of a landline phone, it has continued to be used in the era of mobile phones and smartphones.
Here's a quick recap: