blind copy: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Technical (Business/Administrative)
Quick answer
What does “blind copy” mean?
A duplicate of a letter, email, or document sent to a recipient whose identity is not disclosed to the other recipients.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A duplicate of a letter, email, or document sent to a recipient whose identity is not disclosed to the other recipients.
A hidden recipient in electronic or written correspondence; the act of sending such a copy; can also refer to a carbon copy or photocopy where the process or original is obscured.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The abbreviation 'bcc' (blind carbon copy) is universal. Spelling of related terms may differ (e.g., 'copy to' vs. 'cc:').
Connotations
Neutral administrative action in both. Can carry a slight negative connotation of secrecy if used improperly.
Frequency
Equally frequent in professional contexts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “blind copy” in a Sentence
to blind-copy [RECIPIENT] on [DOCUMENT/EMAIL]to send a blind copy of [DOCUMENT] to [RECIPIENT]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “blind copy” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- I'll blind-copy the head office on the complaint for their records.
- She was blind-copied on the sensitive memo.
American English
- Always blind-copy yourself on important sends for your files.
- He blind-copied HR on the disciplinary email.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Standard practice for mass emails to protect recipient privacy or for discreet internal forwarding.
Academic
Rare; might be used in administrative correspondence between departments.
Everyday
Very rare outside of workplace email use.
Technical
Core feature of email clients and communication protocols (SMTP).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “blind copy”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “blind copy”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “blind copy”
- Using 'blind copy' as a verb without the hyphen ('I will blind copy you').
- Assuming 'bcc' stands for 'blind courtesy copy'. It is 'blind carbon copy'.
- Putting the main recipient in the bcc field by mistake.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not inherently. It is appropriate for mass mailings to protect addresses or for discreet internal notifications. It can be perceived as rude if used to secretly monitor a correspondence that should be transparent.
No. Recipients in the 'To' and 'Cc' fields cannot see bcc recipients. Bcc recipients also cannot see other bcc recipients.
CC (Carbon Copy) discloses all recipients to everyone. BCC (Blind Carbon Copy) hides the bcc recipients from all other recipients.
Use extreme caution. Your reply will typically reveal to the main recipients that you were copied. It is often better to initiate a new email to the sender only if a private response is needed.
A duplicate of a letter, email, or document sent to a recipient whose identity is not disclosed to the other recipients.
Blind copy is usually formal, technical (business/administrative) in register.
Blind copy: in British English it is pronounced /ˌblaɪnd ˈkɒpi/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌblaɪnd ˈkɑːpi/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “keep someone in the blind copy”
- “on the bcc list”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a blindfolded person receiving a copy – others can't see who they are.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMMUNICATION IS VISION (hiding a recipient = making them invisible to others).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary purpose of a blind copy (bcc)?