This week Shauna and Dan learn what it means to be at one's beck and call. Bonus: Reincarnation, Dan's anxiety, and restaurants recommended by tire companies
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Bunny Trails: A Word History Podcast
Episode 297: Beck and Call
Record Date: October 6, 2025
Air Date: October 15, 2025
Intro
Dan:
Welcome to Bunny Trails, a whimsical adventure of idioms and other turns of phrase.
I’m Dan Pugh
Shauna:
And I’m Shauna Harrison
Each week we take an idiom or other turn of phrase and try to tell the story from its entry into the English language, to how it’s used today.
Opening Hook
For some of us, it can feel like our phones do the thinking for us... buzzing or flashing at every turn. Reminders, texts, calls, emails... It can really feel like we’re always at the thing's beck and call.
Meaning
According to Oxford English Dictionary, beck and call is a phrase tied to the keyword beck which means:
Quote
Hence, The slightest indication of will or command, and transferred absolute order or control; esp. in phrases to have at one's beck, to hang upon the beck of, to be at the beck and call of.
End quote
https://www.oed.com/dictionary/beck_n2?tab=meaning_and_use
1530
One of the earlier references for the term beck in this sense is found in a 1530 translation of Caesar with Commentary. Here is the excerpt,
Quote
It should be ready at a beck
End quote
https://www.oed.com/dictionary/beck_n2?tab=meaning_and_use
1587
The Mirour for Magistrates by John Higgins, believed to be one of the pieces that influenced Shakespeare’s King Lear.
Quote
I had the Britaynes at what becke I wou'd.
End quote
https://www.google.com/books/edition/Shakespeare_s_Library/DMI0AQAAMAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=John+Higgins+%E2%80%A2+The+Mirour+for+magistrates&pg=PA311&printsec=frontcover
https://www.oed.com/dictionary/beck_n2?tab=meaning_and_use
1635
Ephraim Pagitt • Christianographie, or, the description of the multitude and sundry sorts of Christians in the world not subject to the Pope.
Quote
Bound to your Holinesse, and wholly hanging upon your becke.
End quote
https://www.oed.com/dictionary/beck_n2?tab=meaning_and_use
And this helps inform us that Beck and Call is a pairing of two terms that seem to have organically become a phrase.
Call is using one's voice to get a person’s attention and ask them to come to you.
It’s sometimes accompanied with a gesture... that’s what a beck is. According to Oxford English Dictionary, one definition of beck is,
Quote
A mute signal or significant gesture, especially one indicating assent or notifying a command; e.g. a nod, a motion of the hand or fore-finger, etc.
End Quote
https://www.oed.com/dictionary/beck_n2?tab=meaning_and_use
1726
The phrase is found in the 1726 work By Joseph Glanvill, Henry More, Anthony Horneck titled, Sadducismus Triumphatus Or, A Full and Plain Evidence Concerning Witches and Apparitions. In Two Parts. The First Treating of Their Possibility. The Second of Their Real Existence. Here is an excerpt,
Quote
It hath, indeed, been a great Dispute amongst Interpreters, whether the real Samuel was raised, or the Devil in his Likeness? Most later Writers suppose it to have been an evil Spirit, upon the Supposition that good and happy Souls can never return hither from their Cælestial Abodes; and they are not certainly at the Beck and Call of an impious Hag.
End quote
www.google.com/books/edition/Sadducismus_Triumphatus/M_4cAQAAMAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq="beck+and+call"&pg=RA1-PA43&printsec=frontcover
This instance shows how the phrase was already established to convey someone, or something, being entirely subject to another’s command... or in this case to indicate that they were not entirely so.
1863
We find the phrase in the 1863 printing of The Child's Companion published by The Religious Tract Society out of London. Here is an excerpt,
Quote
"Oh, she will be here presently, mother. She has gone off with a poor child whom we saw in the street, and who said she had lost her way. I am sure she could have found it herself; but Bessy is so silly, she will run anywhere at anybody's beck and call."
End quote
https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_Child_s_companion/5CQGAAAAQAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=%22beck+and+call%22&pg=PA48&printsec=frontcover
In this case, the child was considered unwise for her treatment and consideration of the other. This is an example of the continued usage of the phrase in a familiar, everyday context, showing it applied to a child’s behavior rather than a more formal or political setting.
1905
The phrase was used in an entry in the 1905 work by Ebenezer Cobham Brewer titled, Dictionary of Phrase and Fable: Giving the Derivation Source, Or Origin of Common Phrases, Allusions, and Words that Have a Tale to Tell.
Quote
To dance attendance. To wait obsequiously, to be at the beck and call of another. The allusion is to the ancient custom of weddings, where the bride on the wedding-night had to dance with every guest, and play the amiable, though greatly annoyed.
End quote
https://www.google.com/books/edition/Dictionary_of_Phrase_and_Fable/6aElzaWwzkQC?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=%22beck+and+call%22&pg=PA329&printsec=frontcover
Brewer’s entry highlights how “beck and call” conveys being ready to serve or obey. The fact that it was used in a definition shows that it was expected people would be very familiar with its meaning.
1944
The phrase was used in a poem signed R.R. called, The Planners, which was published in a 1944 edition of the Royal Air Force Quarterly and Commonwealth Air Forces Journal. Here is the poem,
Quote
To-day we plan to-morrow's fight;
And all that man can do is done:
The die is cast, for wrong or right:
And time slips past. We wait the gun.
By midnight oil as incense burned
In hours of toil, we humbly pray
That nothing breaks, that we have learned
From our mistakes of yesterday:
That all has been foreseen, forethought:
Forethought, foreseen, each circumstance:
Providing all and leaving naught
At beck and call of wayward chance."
To you the fame if all goes well;
To us the blame for aught awry
Through faulty plan: to us our hell
Should any man untimely die.
End quote
https://www.google.com/books/edition/Royal_Air_Force_Quarterly_and_Commonweal/mycwAQAAIAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=0
This is an interesting usage that they are at the beck and call of wayward chance. Given the timing and that this poem was in a segment titled, Winning the Peace, it seems rather fitting.
1963
Here is one more before we get to our modern uses. The phrase was used in a portion of a full-spread ad for the company Creative Kitchens, Inc. found in the Evening star, out of Washington, D.C. April 17, 1963. Here is a snippet,
Quote
Beck And Call
Your wife, however, can have a 1963 range at her beck and call, complete with a variety of automatic cooking controls to insure that once a meal is underway it doesn't require constant attention.
End quote
https://www.loc.gov/resource/sn83045462/1963-04-17/ed-1/?sp=70&q=beck+and+call&r=-0.048,0.146,0.656,0.388,0
This ad uses the phrase to suggest convenience and responsiveness, showing how “beck and call” was applied beyond people to describe appliances that cater to your needs.
We have several modern uses to cover and we’ll get to those, right after we say thank you to our sponsors.
A Quick Thank You
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Modern Uses
1990
One of the most iconic movies in cinema history delivered line after line in 1990. That's thanks partially to the phenomenal duo of Richard Gere and Julia Roberts. Yep, Pretty Woman. In one memorable scene, Roberts’ character, Vivian, is taking a bubble bath while talking with Gere's character, Edward, who says,
Quote
“I will pay you to be at my beck and call."
To which Vivian answers,
"Look, I'd love to be your beck and call girl, but umm…"
End quote
http://www.destinationhollywood.com/movies/prettywoman/famouslines_content.shtml
https://youtube.com/shorts/bzIVwMUkl8k?si=yLHk8kWyiothCOeU
I love when a play on words is done well like this. And of course, Roberts delivered it with a light, humorous note, which helps set the lighthearted tone for the film.
Dan: 1995
Sold is a 1995 song by John Michael Montgomery, which is also sometimes known as the Grundy County Auction. Here’s part of the lyrics:
Quote
And I said, "Hey, pretty lady, won't you gimme a sign?"
I'd give anything to make you mine all mine
I'll do your bidding and be at your beck and call
End Quote
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_VbwZsYPwY
2016
Beck and Call is a 2016 song by the emotional indie punk band Sundressed. This song has a catchy rhythm. I enjoyed it… had a little bit of a nostalgic feeling for me. Here are some of the lyrics,
Quote
If you care to listen at all
Compliments are always subtle
Kind words, they rarely leave your mouth
Underneath the weeping willow
You're just drooling on your pillow
All is well whenever you are right
But now the pattern is all backwards
Time will tell ya who will act first
Same time new place,
Just another fight
So who's gonna be at your beck and call, and,
If you're always right,
Why do you need anyone at all?
Who's gonna be at your funeral
And although it tears me up,
You expect too much
End quote
https://youtu.be/ReY5mFvTeIw?si=X1HSTV9UJfg6rwyk
2016
Another 2016 song was titled Beck and Call. This one by the group July Talk. It has a similar take, with themes of unhealthy relationships. But this time, it’s sharing both perspectives on it… expressing the idea of being at the whim of another’s commands or wishes can go both directions. Here are some of the lyrics,
Quote
Why do you want me today?
Is it because you think you're wonderful or is it because you think you're worth less than nothing at all?
At your beck and call
We're not the first to fall
To feel unknown
Still we jump at your beck and call
What do you want me to say?
If you want me, I'll be waiting
If you don't, it's okay
Why did you come here today?
Do you really think there's something more to say or do you just need saving?
End quote
https://youtu.be/5OkqAztfS-4?si=pXGLrlFDs0QVxg0J
July Talk is a Canadian alt rock band. I like the grit in this song. I also enjoyed the music video which uses two dancers to portray the sort of mutual push-pull vibe the song gives.
2022
Beck and Call is book #1 in The Old Bridge Inn series by Annick Trent, and is labeled as a standalone historical romance and was published in 2022. Here is the synopsis,
Quote
By returning to England, Edwin Harrow hoped to escape the treacherous lover and false accusations he left behind on the Continent. But when his secrets leave him open to blackmail, the worst thing he can do is fall in love with his blackmailer's brother, kind and gravely charming fellow servant William Bell.
After five lonely years as valet to a reclusive country squire, William is fascinated by prickly, standoffish Edwin. He suspects he wants more than Edwin is ready to give, but he cannot resist trying to break through that defensive shell.
And William has secrets of his own, namely his involvement in one of the literary societies recently driven underground by the political climate. When Edwin's messy past catches up with them, will it spell disaster for them both?
End quote
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61947891-beck-and-call
As you might imagine, this phrase is a popular book title… there are a large number of books from a few different genres - but mainly romance - that use Beck and Call in the title. If you’re curious, we’re going to discuss a few other Beck and Call books during our behind the scenes which airs every Friday on our Patreon, that’s Patreon.com/BunnyTrailsPod
2025
Pictures to Burn is a 2025 song by the folk duo Beck and Call. Here is a little about the song,
Quote
Beck & Call is turning heads with “Pictures to Burn”, a fiery debut single packed with raw emotion, powerful vocals, and unapologetic truth. This heartbreak anthem channels betrayal into empowerment, telling the story of love lost, trust broken, and the strength it takes to finally let go.With cutting lyrics like “Now you’ve got her and I’ve got your pictures to burn”, the duo doesn’t hold back as they confront infidelity and reclaim their worth. Alternating perspectives and haunting harmonies paint a vivid portrait of pain transformed into defiance.If you've ever had your heart broken and come out stronger on the other side, this song is for you.
End Quote
https://youtu.be/BvuQZXKd8Ew?si=973wImSKxZcaPuJs
Current
Beck and Call is a mixed media artwork by Ryan Kohler. The piece has sold but is viewable online at portland art gallery.
The piece depicts a few water craft, possibly tugboats, at a pier. It's very colorful and has a lot of interesting angles due to the mixed media used to create it.
https://portlandartgallery.com/art/beck-and-call-by-ryan-kohler
Current
Beck & Call is a premier rooftop cocktail bar boasting panoramic views of Downtown Memphis. Here is a little bit from their website,
Quote
Memphis Views at Your Beck & Call
Nestled atop the Hyatt Centric Beale Street Memphis, Beck & Call is a premier rooftop cocktail bar boasting panoramic views of Downtown Memphis. You're just steps away from the city's most vibrant attractions here. Sip on expertly crafted cocktails as you watch the sunset over the Mississippi River or admire the dazzling Memphis skyline. Beck & Call offers an unforgettable backdrop for an evening of enjoyment and scenic beauty.
End quote
https://www.beckandcallmemphis.com
Current
Another restaurant, or rather a pair of restaurants, use the phrase. Beckon and its sister restaurant Call are located in Denver, Colorado. Together, they are generally referred to as Beckon Call so it still sounds like Beck and Call. Very creative naming. These appear to be fairly high-end. I noticed that Beckon received a one-star Michelin rating in 2023 and 2024.
https://www.beckon-call.com/
Wrap up:
I’ve always liked “beck and call” because it has a slightly old-fashioned charm, yet it still feels completely relevant today. It’s a good idea, though, to be mindful of how often we make ourselves available to others... there’s a line between being helpful and overextending. Whether using it in a playful, flirty, serious, or even negative tone, the phrase is just as useful as when it first started being used. So have fun and be yourself, and just be careful before putting yourself at someone else's beck and call.
Shauna:
That’s about all we have for today. If you have any thoughts on the show, or pop culture references we should have included, reach out to us on Patreon, patreon.com/bunnytrailspod, or comment on our website, bunnytrailspod.com
Dan:
It’s poll time!
Recently we asked our Patrons Would you rather have a pet dragon or be a dragon?
The responses were an even split.
JGP said:
Quote
I think I'd rather have a pet dragon. Opposable thumbs are just too useful to give up and if I had a pet dragon I'd still get all the perks like being able to ride it or having things set on fire if desired.
End Quote
Shauna:
Allan shared
Quote
I don't know that I'd be able to handle a pet dragon, so I would choose to be a dragon.
End quote
I think I’d love a pet dragon. I imagine them sort of like cats… let them do their thing and stay out of their way but have plenty of snacks and toys available.
Dan:
I'm no Lady Sybil, but I'd like to think I could handle one pet dragon. And how cool would that be?! But I would say that if I could be the kind of dragon who changes forms and could live as a human at times, then I would definitely be a dragon. If not, I'd have a pet dragon.
As a reminder, our silly polls mean absolutely nothing and are not scientifically valid. And patrons of all levels, including our free tiers, can take part. Head over to patreon.com/bunnytrailspod to take this week’s poll!
Outro
Dan:
Thanks for joining us. We’ll talk to you again next week. Until then remember,
Together:
Words belong to their users.
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