Nostalgic Commercial: How We Used to Save Money on Our Phone Bills

The classic commercial, "We oughta baby eats a boy," has resurfaced, bringing a wave of nostalgia to many. This iconic ad demonstrated a humorous and clever trick people used to save money on phone bills by making collect calls. The video shows a man attempting to place a collect call with the operator. When asked for his name, he quickly says, "Bob, we oughta baby eats a boy." The call recipient, confused, declines the charges, leaving everyone amused and the message delivered without cost.

This commercial struck a chord with many, as evidenced by the numerous reactions online. One user reminisces about calling 1-800-COLLECT and using the system to send messages like, "Mom call me back tonight after 11:00 when the rates are cheaper." Another user humorously recalls, "Bob Iminjailbailmeout," highlighting how people creatively used the collect call system to convey urgent messages without incurring charges.

Some shared their own experiences, like calling collect from the mall with a message in place of their name, such as "Pick us up at mall." This clever workaround allowed them to get picked up without their parents having to accept any charges. Others reminisced about the days when long-distance calls were a significant expense and how they had to log every call in a notebook.

A particularly nostalgic comment came from a user who remembered using a bobby pin to trick payphones into thinking money was inserted, a hack from decades past. Another user noted that this commercial taught them to say "Mall" as their name, ensuring their parents would pick them up without accepting the charges.

Many users appreciated the humor and effectiveness of the commercial, with some even comparing it to modern ads, like those from Geico, which have similarly set high bars for humor and creativity. The commercial not only brought back memories but also highlighted how communication and technology have evolved over the years.

The video has sparked a flood of memories for those who grew up using these tactics to save on phone bills. It serves as a reminder of a time when every call had to be budgeted, and creativity was key to staying connected without breaking the bank. The nostalgia and humor of the "We oughta baby eats a boy" commercial continue to resonate with audiences, proving its lasting impact.