Dictionary

calling card

Noun

calling card (plural calling cards)

A small printed card which identifies the bearer, traditionally presented for introduction when making a social visit to a home or when attending a formal social event or business meeting.
(idiomatic) An attribute, object, or behavior which is distinctly characteristic of someone or something.
- 2006 May 14, Anne Midgette, "Summer Stages: Mozart, Yes, But Also Much More ↗," New York Times (retrieved 26 Sep 2008):
  Free and slightly funky chamber music is the calling card of this festival.
(euphemistic) Excrement, especially of a domestic animal.
- 2005 Jan. 21, Dwight Perry, "Sideline Chatter: Just doo it ↗," Seattle Times (retrieved 26 Sep 2008):
  A guide dog left his calling card on the court at Tuesday night's Magic-Pistons game in Orlando.
A phonecard.
- 2003 Nov. 22, Michelle Singletary, "Traveler beware: Free things may cost you money ↗" seattlepi.com (retrieved 26 Sep 2008):
  Many experts now advise consumers to use a prepaid calling card to save money on long distance calls while staying in a hotel.
A card advertising the services of a prostitute.

Synonyms

(small printed card which identifies the bearer) at-home card, name card, meishi, visiting card
(card used to pay the charges when making a telephone call) telephone card
(card advertising a prostitute) tart card

Translations

Translations

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