cough button

English

Etymology

So called because the radio presenter might push the button when having to cough.

Noun

cough button (plural cough buttons)

1. (broadcasting) A button that temporarily stops the recording and transmission of a radio show.
   • 1966, Thomas Pynchon, chapter 5, in The Crying of Lot 49, New York: Bantam Books, published 1976, →ISBN, page 103:

     Mucho pressed his cough button a moment, but only smiled. It seemed odd. How could they hear a smile?

   • 1987 March, Cincinnati Magazine, volume 20, number 6, page 51:

     "Al pushed his cough button, stood up, punched the guy and knocked him flat on his back," recalls Gordon. "He absolutely poled the man. Then he pushed the button again and continued on with his newscast. People watching never knew anything happened."