I think these are an Indian phenomenon… At least, I’ve never encountered them anywhere else. So what is a missed call? Basically, it’s a quick and handy way of saving a few rupees on phone calls or text messages. You dial a number, let it ring once, and hang up. Simple.

Deceptively simple perhaps. Depending on the circumstances, missed calls may have many different meanings. These include:

– “I’m thinking of you. How’s it going?”
– “Yes. I agree” or “Ha. Very funny” [probably with the contents of a recently received SMS]
– “Yep. Will see you there”
– “Where are you? I’ve been waiting here for bloody ages”
– “Did you get my last message?”
– “I’m waiting right outside. Come meet me”
– “Call me back – I’m out of phone credit” [Hans uses this method on principle]
– “The lecturer has arrived. Leave the canteen and come to class”

Usually, the context will be fairly clear, having been agreed beforehand, for example, “Give me a missed call when you’re about to reach and I’ll meet you there,” or something of that nature.

After a couple of years here I’m beginning to get the hang of them. So if you ever get a one-ringer from my cell number, you’ll have to work out exactly what it means.