My friend gave me a shout.

[tufguy]

I was at the metro station. My friend was there as well but I didn't see him. But he gave me a shout as soon as he saw me.

He gave me a shout means he shouted out my name to get my attention. Am I correct?

 

[Tarheel]

He shouted to get your attention.

 

[probus]

No. At least in AmE "give me a shout" is an idiom meaning call me on the telephone.

 

[tufguy]

No. At least in AmE "give me a shout" is an idiom meaning call me on the telephone.

Okay, it means to inform. Is it limited to telephone conversation only?

 

[tufguy]

He shouted to get your attention.

Can't I say 'he shouted my name'?

 

[5jj]

But he gave me a shout as soon as he saw me.

He gave me a shout means he shouted out my name to get my attention. Am I correct?

That is the probable idea in BrE.

 

[tufguy]

That is the probable idea in BrE.

Are you saying it is correct in BrE?

 

[5jj]

Probably. It is not impossible that he simply shouted out 'Oy!'.

 

[probus]

Language evolves apace with social and technological change. I'd guess that prior to internet "give me a shout" meant only call me on the telephone. But nowadays there are more options such as email or text message.