The playful pretense of not recognizing a contact due to a supposed new device has evolved into a lighthearted social interaction, often used humorously to deflect unwanted communication or playfully test a relationship’s strength. A typical interaction involves one party initiating contact, and the recipient responding with a variation of “New phone, who dis?”, feigning ignorance of the caller’s identity. This prompts the initiator to reveal their identity, often leading to a humorous exchange.
This contemporary form of playful misdirection serves several social functions. It can be a gentle way to decline further interaction, a test of how well someone knows you, or simply a humorous way to begin a conversation. Its roots lie in the early days of mobile phones when obtaining a new number was more common, providing a plausible excuse for not recognizing a caller. The phrase’s popularity has transcended its original context, becoming a recognizable meme and a cultural touchstone for a specific type of playful interaction.
