Telephone tap what is it?

Question

What exactly does it mean by telephone tap and how did it get this name? yeah I know it means to listen in but why tap?

Answer 1

It actually originated because the act of connecting listening devices drew off or "tapped" a small amount of current from the line. See here for details

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Telephone_t...

Answer 2

In the telephone company central office (and in other places between your house and the CO) there are many places where someone could either a recording device or "butt set" (telephone test set) to listen in on your calls -- basically anywhere the wire itself can be accessed.  It may be that "tap" is referring to the act of actually connecting the listening device to the line (perhaps like "tapping" a keg), or it may be that the term refers to the place where the line is connected (often a 66-block, or wire-wrap post). I work in telecommunications (I'm a switch technician, not an outside plant guy), but I think I've heard the guys say something like, "Go ahead and connect that to the tap on the side of the house."

Hope that helps!

Answer 3

they are tapping into your fone line and listening