Synonyms of Cell Phone: Comprehensive Guide to Alternative Terms and Usage

2. INTRODUCTION

The term “cell phone” has become a central part of modern English, reflecting the device’s ubiquity in our daily lives. From making calls and sending messages to browsing the internet, cell phones are indispensable tools for communication, work, and entertainment. But did you know that English offers a wide range of alternative terms and synonyms for “cell phone”? Understanding and using these synonyms can greatly enrich your vocabulary, help you avoid repetition, and improve your ability to communicate in academic, professional, and casual contexts.

In this comprehensive guide, you will learn about various synonyms for “cell phone”—including regional, generational, technical, and slang terms. We will explore their definitions, grammatical rules, usage contexts, and common collocations.

You will find helpful tables, abundant examples, and practical exercises to master these alternatives in your spoken and written English. Whether you are an English learner, ESL/EFL student, teacher, writer, or professional looking to enhance your language skills, this article is your go-to resource for everything about cell phone synonyms.

Table of Contents

• 3. DEFINITION SECTION
  • 3.1. What is a “Synonym”?
  • 3.2. What is a “Cell Phone”?
  • 3.3. “Synonyms of Cell Phone”: A Grammatical Perspective
• 4. STRUCTURAL BREAKDOWN
  • 4.1. Grammatical Structure of Synonyms
  • 4.2. Position in Sentences
  • 4.3. Collocations and Phrasal Patterns
  • 4.4. Register and Formality
• 5. TYPES OR CATEGORIES
  • 5.1. Direct Synonyms
  • 5.2. Brand/Trademark-Based Synonyms
  • 5.3. Regional Variants
  • 5.4. Generational or Slang Terms
  • 5.5. Technical/Descriptive Synonyms
• 6. EXAMPLES SECTION
  • 6.1. Direct Synonyms in Sentences
  • 6.2. Regional Variants in Context
  • 6.3. Brand Names as Synonyms
  • 6.4. Slang and Informal Usage
  • 6.5. Technical or Descriptive Terms in Context
  • 6.6. Comparative Table of Synonyms
  • 6.7. Synonyms in Different Registers
  • 6.8. Synonyms in Collocations
• 7. USAGE RULES
  • 7.1. Choosing the Right Synonym
  • 7.2. Rules for Pluralization and Articles
  • 7.3. Register and Contextual Appropriateness
  • 7.4. Combining Synonyms with Modifiers
  • 7.5. Common Exceptions and Special Cases
• 8. COMMON MISTAKES
  • 8.1. Misusing Regional Synonyms
  • 8.2. Overusing Brand Names
  • 8.3. Pluralization and Article Errors
  • 8.4. Register Mismatches
  • 8.5. Table of Correct vs. Incorrect Usage
  • 8.6. Additional Pitfalls
• 9. PRACTICE EXERCISES
  • 9.1. Fill-in-the-Blank Exercises
  • 9.2. Correction Exercises
  • 9.3. Identification Exercises
  • 9.4. Sentence Construction
  • 9.5. Table-Based Matching Exercise
  • 9.6. Answers and Explanations
• 10. ADVANCED TOPICS
  • 10.1. Semantic Nuances and Connotations
  • 10.2. Lexicalized Brand Names
  • 10.3. Synonyms in Idioms and Expressions
  • 10.4. Historical and Cultural Evolution
  • 10.5. Cross-Linguistic Influence
• 11. FAQ SECTION
• 12. CONCLUSION

3. DEFINITION SECTION

3.1. What is a “Synonym”?

A synonym is a word or phrase that has the same or nearly the same meaning as another word or phrase in the same language. In English grammar, synonyms enrich language by providing alternatives that can vary in tone, formality, or context. By using synonyms, speakers and writers can avoid repetition, express subtle differences in meaning, and adapt their language to suit different audiences.

Example: The words large and big are synonyms. Both describe size, but they might be preferred in different contexts.

3.2. What is a “Cell Phone”?

A cell phone (noun) is a portable electronic device used for mobile communication over a cellular network. The term originated in the United States, where “cell” refers to the network of cellular towers enabling wireless communication.

Etymology: “Cell phone” is short for “cellular telephone,” referencing how the technology works.

Grammatical classification: “Cell phone” is a countable noun (one cell phone, two cell phones).

Usage: “Cell phone” is most common in American English and is appropriate in both informal and neutral contexts. In more formal or technical contexts, “mobile phone” or “smartphone” may be preferred.

3.3. “Synonyms of Cell Phone”: A Grammatical Perspective

The phrase “synonyms of cell phone” refers to alternative nouns or noun phrases that describe the same or similar device. Some synonyms are direct replacements, while others are regional, generational, or technical variants. Understanding their grammatical features and usage contexts helps speakers and writers choose the best option for any situation.

Semantic range: Synonyms can be exact (e.g., “mobile phone”) or related (e.g., “smartphone”). Some are influenced by region (e.g., “mobile” in the UK), technology (e.g., “wireless phone”), or even branding (e.g., “iPhone”).

4. STRUCTURAL BREAKDOWN

4.1. Grammatical Structure of Synonyms

Most synonyms for “cell phone” are countable nouns. They can be singular or plural, possessive, and sometimes used as modifiers.

Table 1: Grammatical Forms of Cell Phone Synonyms

Synonym	Singular	Plural	Possessive (Singular)	Modifier Example
cell phone	a cell phone	cell phones	cell phone’s	cell phone charger
mobile phone	a mobile phone	mobile phones	mobile phone’s	mobile phone plan
smartphone	a smartphone	smartphones	smartphone’s	smartphone user
iPhone	an iPhone	iPhones	iPhone’s	iPhone app
mobile	a mobile	mobiles	mobile’s	mobile data

4.2. Position in Sentences

Synonyms for “cell phone” usually function as nouns and can appear as the subject, object, or complement in a sentence. They may also serve as modifiers in compound nouns.

• Subject: The cell phone rang loudly.
• Object: She bought a new smartphone.
• Complement: His favorite device is his iPhone.
• Modifier: He needs a mobile phone case.

These nouns can be used in simple, compound, and complex sentences.

• Simple: My cell phone is charging.
• Compound: I lost my mobile, but I found it in my bag.
• Complex: Because her smartphone was broken, she borrowed my phone.

4.3. Collocations and Phrasal Patterns

Certain verbs and adjectives frequently appear with “cell phone” synonyms. These common word partnerships are called collocations.

Table 2: Common Collocations with Cell Phone Synonyms

Synonym	Common Verbs	Common Adjectives
cell phone	use, charge, lose, answer, drop	new, old, broken, lost, expensive
mobile phone	call, carry, switch off, upgrade	personal, mobile, prepaid
smartphone	install, unlock, synchronize, update	latest, advanced, high-end
iPhone	buy, sell, reset, jailbreak	brand-new, used, faulty
mobile	ring, vibrate, misplace, recharge	dead, lost, basic

4.4. Register and Formality

Register refers to the level of formality in language. Each synonym for “cell phone” varies in register and is preferred in different contexts.

• Formal: “mobile phone,” “smartphone,” “cellular telephone”
• Neutral: “cell phone,” “mobile”
• Informal: “cell,” “iPhone” (as generic), “handy” (in Germany), “blower” (UK slang)

Choose a synonym that matches the context—formal writing, business communications, or casual conversations may each require different terms.

5. TYPES OR CATEGORIES

5.1. Direct Synonyms

Direct synonyms replace “cell phone” with minimal change in meaning. Common examples include:

• mobile phone (British/Commonwealth English)
• cellular phone (formal/technical)
• mobile (British, Australian, Indian English)
• cell (informal, American English)

5.2. Brand/Trademark-Based Synonyms

Sometimes, popular brand names are used to refer to any cell phone, regardless of the actual brand. Examples include:

• iPhone (Apple brand, used generically in some contexts)
• Android (Google’s operating system, often used for any non-Apple smartphones)
• Blackberry (historically popular in business contexts)

Table 3: Brand Names vs. Generic Terms

Brand Name	Generic Meaning	Typical Usage Context
iPhone	Any smartphone (sometimes)	Casual, among young users
Android	Any non-Apple smartphone	Tech context, informal
Blackberry	Any smartphone (historically)	Business, older users (now rare)

5.3. Regional Variants

Different varieties of English use different terms for “cell phone.”

• British English: “mobile,” “mobile phone”
• American English: “cell,” “cell phone”
• Australian English: “mobile”
• Indian English: “mobile,” “mobile phone”
• South African English: “cell,” “cellular phone”

5.4. Generational or Slang Terms

Younger generations and different communities often use slang or informal terms for cell phones.

• cell (US, informal)
• mobile (UK, informal)
• handy (Germany, borrowed into some English contexts)
• blower (UK, old-fashioned slang)
• brick (refers to old, large mobile phones or non-functioning phones)

Table 4: Generational/Slang Terms and Contexts

Term	Region	Context/Generation
cell	USA	Youth, informal
handy	Germany	General, sometimes used by English speakers in Germany
blower	UK	Older generation, informal
brick	Global	Tech slang, any age group

5.5. Technical/Descriptive Synonyms

Some terms emphasize specific technical characteristics.

• smartphone (a cell phone with advanced computing capacity)
• wireless phone (rare; can mean any non-wired phone)
• portable phone (outdated, but sometimes used)

Table 5: Technical Synonyms with Definitions

Term	Definition	Typical Use
smartphone	Mobile phone with internet and advanced functions	Formal, technical, tech reviews
wireless phone	Any phone not connected by wires	Technical, rare in daily speech
portable phone	Any phone that can be carried	Outdated, historical

6. EXAMPLES SECTION

6.1. Direct Synonyms in Sentences

1. She left her cell phone at home.
2. Can I borrow your mobile phone?
3. He always keeps his cellular phone on silent mode.
4. I can’t find my mobile.
5. Please turn off your cell during the meeting.
6. My cell phone battery drains quickly.
7. Her mobile phone is brand new.
8. The cell signal is weak here.
9. She forgot her cellular phone charger.
10. He dropped his cell in the pool.

6.2. Regional Variants in Context

1. In the UK, people often say, “I lost my mobile.”
2. Americans are more likely to say, “Where is my cell phone?”
3. Australians might ask, “Have you seen my mobile?”
4. South Africans sometimes refer to their “cell” instead of “mobile.”
5. In India, “mobile phone” is the standard term.
6. Irish English also prefers “mobile.”
7. Canadian English uses both “cell phone” and “mobile phone.”
8. British teens might say, “Text me on my mobile.”
9. In the US, “cell” is common: “I’ll call you from my cell.”
10. In Nigeria, “mobile” is widely understood.

6.3. Brand Names as Synonyms

1. She upgraded to a new iPhone last week.
2. Most of my friends use Androids.
3. He is still using an old Blackberry.
4. Can you send the photo to my iPhone?
5. Android users get updates later than iPhone users.

6.4. Slang and Informal Usage

1. My cell is dead; can I use your charger?
2. He dropped his brick—it doesn’t work now.
3. Pass me my blower, will you?
4. She’s always on her mobile.
5. That’s a cool handy you have!
6. I forgot my cell at the gym.
7. This brick is only good for calls!
8. He never puts down his mobile.
9. Back in the day, we called them bricks.
10. My dad still calls his phone a blower.

6.5. Technical or Descriptive Terms in Context

1. The smartphone market is growing rapidly.
2. I need a new case for my wireless phone.
3. Portable phones were popular before smartphones emerged.
4. Early cellular telephones were very bulky.
5. Wireless phones offer more mobility than landlines.

6.6. Comparative Table of Synonyms

Table 6: Synonyms, Definitions, Contexts, and Examples

Synonym	Definition	Typical Context	Example Sentence
cell phone	Mobile device for calls/texts	American English, neutral	She lost her cell phone in the taxi.
mobile phone	Mobile device for calls/texts	British/Commonwealth, formal/neutral	Please switch off your mobile phone.
mobile	Short for mobile phone	UK, Australia, India, informal	Is your mobile charged?
cell	Short for cell phone	USA, informal	I’ll text you from my cell.
smartphone	Advanced mobile phone	Technical, formal	My smartphone has a great camera.
iPhone	Apple’s smartphone, also generic	Brand, informal	He just bought a new iPhone.
Android	Phones running Android OS	Brand/tech, informal	Most Androids have customizable settings.
handy	Mobile phone (German English)	Germany, sometimes in English	Nice handy! (unusual in English)
brick	Large, old phone or dead phone	Slang, informal	This brick doesn’t even text.

6.7. Synonyms in Different Registers

Formal:

• Please ensure your mobile phone is set to silent.
• All smartphones must be registered for the event.
• The cellular telephone industry has grown rapidly.
• Do not use your wireless phone in restricted areas.
• Portable devices, such as mobile phones, are not allowed.

Neutral:

• I brought my cell phone with me.
• He forgot his mobile at home.
• Is this your smartphone?
• Can I use your cell phone charger?
• My iPhone is running out of space.

Informal:

• Where’s my cell?
• Check my mobile for messages.
• This brick is useless!
• Let me borrow your blower.
• She’s always on her handy.

6.8. Synonyms in Collocations

• charge a cell phone
• lose a mobile phone
• unlock a smartphone
• reset an iPhone
• upgrade your Android
• switch off your mobile
• buy a new cell phone
• install an app on your smartphone
• text me on my cell
• replace a broken mobile

7. USAGE RULES

7.1. Choosing the Right Synonym

Select a synonym by considering region, audience, and formality. For example, use “mobile phone” in the UK (formal), “cell phone” in the US (neutral), and “cell” or “mobile” in informal speech. Brand names like “iPhone” are best used when the device is actually an Apple product or when speaking casually.

• In academic writing: “mobile phone,” “smartphone”
• In business: “cell phone,” “mobile phone,” “smartphone”
• In casual conversation: “cell,” “mobile,” “iPhone,” “Android”

7.2. Rules for Pluralization and Articles

Most synonyms follow regular pluralization rules (add -s or -es). Use a/an for singular, and the for specific reference.

• a cell phone, the cell phone, cell phones
• a mobile, the mobile, mobiles
• an iPhone, the iPhone, iPhones
• a smartphone, the smartphone, smartphones

Incorrect: an cell phone, cell phoneses

7.3. Register and Contextual Appropriateness

Avoid slang terms in formal writing or professional settings. Use technical terms (“smartphone,” “mobile phone”) in reports or presentations.

Table 7: Register Appropriateness for Cell Phone Synonyms

Term	Formal	Neutral	Informal
cell phone	✓	✓	✓
mobile phone	✓	✓	✓
smartphone	✓	✓	✓
cell		✓	✓
mobile		✓	✓
iPhone		✓	✓
handy			✓
blower			✓

7.4. Combining Synonyms with Modifiers

Use adjectives and adverbs to modify cell phone synonyms correctly:

• a new smartphone
• her lost mobile phone
• the latest iPhone
• a completely dead cell
• the old brick in his drawer

7.5. Common Exceptions and Special Cases

Regional Exception: “Mobile” in the UK refers to a cell phone, but in the US, it usually means “capable of moving.”

Brand Names: Using “iPhone” for any smartphone can cause confusion outside of informal contexts or among non-Apple users.

8. COMMON MISTAKES

8.1. Misusing Regional Synonyms

Incorrect: “My mobile is out of range.” (in the US, may be confusing.)

Correct: “My cell phone is out of range.” (in the US.)

8.2. Overusing Brand Names

Avoid using “iPhone” or “Android” to refer to all smartphones, especially in formal or technical writing.

• Incorrect: “Every student must have an iPhone.” (Not all phones are iPhones.)
• Correct: “Every student must have a smartphone.”

8.3. Pluralization and Article Errors

• Incorrect: “Mobileses,” “cell phoneses”
• Correct: “mobiles,” “cell phones”
• Incorrect: “an cell phone,” “the mobiles”
• Correct: “a cell phone,” “the mobile phones”

8.4. Register Mismatches

Avoid using slang or informal terms in formal contexts.

• Incorrect: “Don’t forget your brick,” (in a business email)
• Correct: “Don’t forget your mobile phone.”

8.5. Table of Correct vs. Incorrect Usage

Table 8: Common Mistakes and Corrections

Incorrect	Correct
an cell phone	a cell phone
the mobiles	the mobile phones
handy (outside Germany)	mobile (UK), cell phone (US)
Every student must have an iPhone.	Every student must have a smartphone.
Mobileses are popular.	Mobiles are popular.
He lost his blower. (in formal writing)	He lost his mobile phone.

8.6. Additional Pitfalls

• Do not confuse wireless phone (can mean “cordless phone” at home) with “cell phone” (mobile network device).
• Using handy in English-speaking countries outside Germany can sound odd or unclear.

9. PRACTICE EXERCISES

9.1. Fill-in-the-Blank Exercises

1. I left my _____ at the office. (cell phone / mobile / smartphone)
2. She just bought a new _____. (iPhone / Android / cell)
3. Please switch off your _____ during the performance. (mobile phone / smartphone)
4. He forgot to charge his _____. (cell / mobile / blower)
5. My _____ is very old and slow. (brick / cell phone / mobile)
6. All _____ must be put away during the exam. (cell phones / mobiles / smartphones)
7. He dropped his _____ in the sink. (cell / iPhone / mobile)
8. My dad still uses a _____. (Blackberry / brick / portable phone)
9. She sent the photo to my _____. (iPhone / Android / mobile phone)
10. Do you have a _____ charger I can borrow? (cell phone / mobile / smartphone)

9.2. Correction Exercises

1. He bought an cell phone yesterday.
2. All students must put away their bricks.
3. May I borrow your handy? (in the USA)
4. Every employee must have an iPhone. (company uses Android too)
5. She left her mobile at home. (in the US)
6. The mobileses are on sale.
7. The Android is expensive. (referring to all smartphones)
8. Switch off your blower before class.
9. The portable phone is charging. (referring to a modern smartphone)
10. He has many cell phoneses.

9.3. Identification Exercises

1. He lost his cell in the park. (Identify: region/register)
2. She carries a mobile everywhere. (Identify: region/register)
3. Can I use your iPhone? (Identify: brand/generic/region)
4. This brick is useless now. (Identify: slang/region)
5. Please put away all smartphones. (Identify: technical/formal)
6. He forgot his handy at school. (Identify: region/register)
7. Androids are popular with students. (Identify: brand/region)
8. Switch off your mobile phone. (Identify: formal/region)
9. She always has her cell phone. (Identify: neutral/region)
10. He dropped his blower. (Identify: slang/region)

9.4. Sentence Construction

1. Write a sentence using “smartphone” in a formal context.
2. Write a sentence using “mobile” as used in UK English.
3. Write an informal sentence using “cell.”
4. Write a sentence using “iPhone” as a brand name.
5. Write a sentence showing the plural of “mobile phone.”

9.5. Table-Based Matching Exercise

Table 9: Match Synonyms to Definitions or Contexts

Term	Definition/Context
mobile	A. UK, informal for cell phone
brick	B. Slang for old or broken phone
iPhone	C. Brand name, sometimes used generically
smartphone	D. Advanced mobile device with computing capabilities
handy	E. German English term for cell phone

9.6. Answers and Explanations

9.1. Fill-in-the-Blank Answers:

1. cell phone / mobile / smartphone
2. iPhone / Android / cell
3. mobile phone / smartphone
4. cell / mobile / blower
5. brick / cell phone / mobile
6. cell phones / mobiles / smartphones
7. cell / iPhone / mobile
8. Blackberry / brick / portable phone
9. iPhone / Android / mobile phone
10. cell phone / mobile / smartphone

Explanation: Any synonym that fits the context is correct.

9.2. Correction Exercise Answers:

1. He bought a cell phone yesterday.
2. All students must put away their cell phones (or “mobile phones”).
3. May I borrow your cell phone? (in the USA)
4. Every employee must have a smartphone.
5. She left her cell phone at home. (in the US)
6. The mobiles are on sale.
7. The smartphone is expensive.
8. Switch off your mobile phone before class.
9. The smartphone is charging.
10. He has many cell phones.

9.3. Identification Exercise Answers:

1. cell – American English, informal
2. mobile – UK/Australian/Indian English, neutral/informal
3. iPhone – brand name, sometimes used generically, global
4. brick – slang, informal, global tech slang
5. smartphones – technical/formal, global
6. handy – German English, informal
7. Androids – brand, global
8. mobile phone – formal, UK/Commonwealth
9. cell phone – neutral, American English
10. blower – slang, old-fashioned UK

9.4. Sentence Construction Sample Answers:

1. All smartphones must be registered before the conference.
2. I can’t find my mobile; did you see it?
3. Just text me on my cell.
4. I upgraded my iPhone to the latest model.
5. Mobile phones are not allowed in the exam room.

9.5. Table-Based Matching Answers:

• mobile – A
• brick – B
• iPhone – C
• smartphone – D
• handy – E

10. ADVANCED TOPICS

10.1. Semantic Nuances and Connotations

Some synonyms carry subtle differences in meaning or tone.

• cell phone: General, neutral, widely understood in the US
• mobile phone: Slightly more formal, UK/Commonwealth
• smartphone: Implies internet and advanced features
• brick: Slang; negative, suggests old or unusable

Understanding these nuances helps you select the best term for your audience.

10.2. Lexicalized Brand Names

Brand names like iPhone and Blackberry have sometimes become lexicalized—used generically for similar products. This process can blur the line between specific and generic reference, but care is needed in formal contexts.

10.3. Synonyms in Idioms and Expressions

• Glued to his mobile – always using the phone
• Call me on my cell – standard phrase in US English
• Lost without my phone – feeling helpless without a cell phone

10.4. Historical and Cultural Evolution

The language surrounding cell phones has changed significantly:

Table 10: Timeline of Synonym Usage

Era	Common Terms	Notes
1980s	cellular telephone, car phone, portable phone	Early devices, large and expensive
1990s	cell phone, mobile phone, brick	More accessible, still bulky
2000s	cell phone, mobile, Blackberry	Texting and email become common
2010s	smartphone, iPhone, Android	Touchscreens, app ecosystems
2020s	smartphone, iPhone, Android, mobile	High-speed internet, global usage

10.5. Cross-Linguistic Influence

English has borrowed terms like handy (from German), while some English terms have spread globally. Be aware that “handy” is common in Germany but rare in English-speaking countries.

11. FAQ SECTION

1. What are the most common synonyms for “cell phone” in American and British English?
   Answer: In American English: “cell phone,” “cell,” “smartphone.” In British English: “mobile,” “mobile phone,” “smartphone.”
2. Is it correct to use “mobile” in the US and “cell” in the UK?
   Answer: “Mobile” is rare and may sound odd in the US; “cell” is uncommon in the UK. Use regionally appropriate terms.
3. Can brand names like “iPhone” be used as general terms for cell phones?
   Answer: Sometimes, but only in informal contexts. In formal or technical writing, use “smartphone” or “mobile phone.”
4. How do I know which synonym to use in formal writing?
   Answer: Use “mobile phone,” “cell phone,” or “smartphone,” depending on your audience. Avoid slang or brand names.
5. Are “smartphone” and “cell phone” interchangeable?
   Answer: Not always. “Smartphone” refers to advanced phones with internet and apps; “cell phone” can include older, basic models.
6. What is the difference between “wireless phone” and “cordless phone”?
   Answer: “Wireless phone” can mean any phone without wires (including cell phones), but “cordless phone” usually refers to home phones with a base station.
7. Why do some people say “handy” for “cell phone”?
   Answer: “Handy” is the German English word for “cell phone.” It’s uncommon in native English, except among German speakers.
8. How can I avoid common mistakes with cell phone synonyms?
   Answer: Learn the regional and register differences, use correct plurals and articles, and avoid slang or brand names in formal writing.
9. What are some slang terms for “cell phone” in English?
   Answer: “Cell,” “mobile,” “brick,” “blower,” “handy” (Germany).
10. Are there differences in synonym usage across generations?
    Answer: Yes. Older users may say “mobile phone,” “cellular phone,” or “Blackberry,” while younger speakers might use “cell,” “mobile,” or brand names.
11. How has the terminology for “cell phone” changed over time?
    Answer: Terms have evolved from “car phone” and “cellular telephone” to “cell phone,” “mobile phone,” “smartphone,” and brand names like “iPhone.”
12. What are typical collocations with “cell phone” synonyms?
    Answer: “Use a cell phone,” “charge the mobile,” “unlock a smartphone,” “reset an iPhone,” “buy a new Android.”

12. CONCLUSION

Mastering synonyms for “cell phone” is a valuable skill for anyone looking to improve their English vocabulary and communication. By learning to use a variety of terms—tailored to region, audience, and context—you can speak and write more naturally, avoid repetition, and better understand global English.

Continue to explore and practice these synonyms using the tables and exercises in this guide. Pay attention to regional and generational differences, and always choose the term that fits your context best.

This article is designed as a comprehensive reference for learners, teachers, and professionals—use it to expand your vocabulary and communicate with confidence!

For further reading, consult English style guides, dictionaries, and regional language resources. Practice regularly, and soon you will feel comfortable using the full range of synonyms for “cell phone” in any situation.