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What does with All the Bells and Whistles Mean?

Michael Pollick
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Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 19,265
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Sometimes it seems like everything comes in three versions: basic, advanced and "bells and whistles." In marketing terms, a product arriving with all the bells and whistles usually denotes the top of the line, packed with all sorts of non-essential but useful add-ons and upgrades. The term is frequently used to describe high-end electronic products designed specifically for customers who can afford instant upgrades. These extras may be features with limited but useful applications, such as an improved audio system or increased memory capacity for a high-end personal computer.

Sometimes the term "bells and whistles" can be heard while shopping for a new car or house. The vehicle featured on a car dealer's lot, for example, may only be equipped with the manufacturer's standard features. The customer might want to negotiate with the dealer to obtain a similar vehicle with all the available extra features. This could mean the addition power windows and door locks, a sunroof, a rear spoiler, a CD player, cruise control or even heated cup holders. A new home may come complete with bells and whistles, such as an alarm system, a centralized control unit, state-of-the-art kitchen equipment or a heated driveway. These may not be strictly necessary, but they do serve as attractive gimmicks to entice consumers.

The origin of the phrase appears to be American, although few sources agree on the original device which inspired it. Some believe it refers to the literal bells and whistles found on trolley cars and passenger locomotives of the 19th century. Having both as warning devices may have appeared to be overkill, but some passengers and bystanders could have felt safer knowing all of those devices were present.

It is also possible that the phrase has a military origin, as in the naval tradition of piping visitors aboard and using bells as warning devices. More likely, however, the first bells and whistles belonged to either carnival calliopes or theater organs, both of which featured a number of extra ones that were rarely used but still quite ornamental and attractive. The idea of going over the top with expensive or largely ornamental accessories may have been inspired by the garish sight of a fully-outfitted theater organ or calliope.

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Michael Pollick
By Michael Pollick
As a frequent contributor to About Mechanics, Michael Pollick uses his passion for research and writing to cover a wide range of topics. His curiosity drives him to study subjects in-depth, resulting in informative and engaging articles. Prior to becoming a professional writer, Michael honed his skills as an English tutor, poet, voice-over artist, and DJ.
Discussion Comments
By anon157231 — On Mar 01, 2011

Just a theory: When the naval ships came in to dock at the ports after being out at sea for weeks/months,the docks would be lined with pretty (and in some cases, not so pretty) girls, waiting to show the incoming sailors a good time for their patriotic efforts.

The ships would ring their bells and the sailors began to whistle at the girls in anticipation of fun and frivolity to come, Thus the term. Here comes the navy, with all it's "bells and whistles". Maybe?

By anon31223 — On May 01, 2009

Excellent article and reply. The bells refers to the crossing guard bell feature and the whistle, of course, was the engine's...meaning that when you had all the bells and whistles...you had it all!

By anon6525 — On Jan 01, 2008

Any chance this saying comes specifically from the early sales of Lionel Brand toy trains? Lionel train engines and cars often comes with either bells or whistle sounds activated by the control unit. Considering Lionel has been around for the last century - it's a logical conclusion that the phrase came from their advertising or packaging.

Michael Pollick
Michael Pollick
As a frequent contributor to About Mechanics, Michael Pollick uses his passion for research and writing to cover a wide...
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