Boiler room (business)

The term boiler room in business refers to a busy center of activity, often telemarketing or other types of sales. The term carries a negative connotation, and is often used to imply high-pressure sales tactics and sometimes, poor working conditions.

The reference is taken from an actual boiler room, where a steam boiler is kept to power locomotion or provide heat. The intense atmosphere of a telemarketing call center invites this analogy.