Telemarketing

Noun. Also known as telescams and cold calls. When a salesperson calls you unexpectantly and offers you something you don't want or need, such as double glazing. In the US and Australia, telemarketing is restricted and policed. In the UK, it is less controlled, because otherwise it would clash with the free speech laws. Telemarketing is the bain of most houseowners' existences, and will guarentee you a place in Hades if you ever get a job in a telemarketing company.