"Mailgram" is a term used for a telegraphic message that is delivered in a physical form, typically through the postal service. The word is pronounced as "meyl-graem" and is spelled using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /ˈmeɪlɡræm/. The term combines "mail", referring to the postal service, and "gram", short for telegram, which is a message transmitted using wires. Mailgrams were popular in the 20th century before the advent of modern electronic communication technologies.
A mailgram refers to a communication method that involves sending messages or information through the postal service. It is a combination of the words "mail" and "telegram," with the intention of capturing the speed and urgency of a telegram while using traditional mail delivery services.
A mailgram typically consists of a concise written message that is sent by an individual or organization to a recipient using regular mail. It offers an alternative to telegrams or other expedited communication methods, providing a more cost-effective and widely accessible option. The message is typically printed on special airmail stationery, emphasizing its priority and time sensitivity.
Mailgrams are commonly utilized for urgent or time-sensitive matters, where immediate communication is necessary, but electronic or digital means are unavailable or deemed less reliable. Examples include legal or official notifications, urgent business communications, or personal messages requiring prompt response or attention.
This communication method is distinguished by its credibility and formality, as it is often associated with important or official correspondences. Although its usage has declined in the digital age, mailgrams continue to play a role in certain contexts where physical documentation is still preferred or where electronic communications are hindered. Ultimately, a mailgram serves to expedite correspondence through the postal system by utilizing priority services and emphasizing its importance and time sensitivity.
The word "mailgram" is a combination of two words: "mail" and "telegram".
The term "mail" originated from the Old English word "male", which meant a bag or a traveling bag. It later came to refer to the system of transporting letters and packages from one place to another. The word "telegram" was coined in the 19th century, combining "tele-" (meaning "far" or "at a distance") and "gram" (a suffix indicating something written or recorded). A telegram was a form of communication that involved sending messages over long distances using telegraph lines.
In the 20th century, the term "mailgram" was created as a portmanteau, merging the concepts of sending a message through the mail and using the telegram system. It refers to a service that combines the speed of delivery associated with telegrams with the traditional mail system.