fast telegram
Very Low (Historical/Idiomatic)Historical, Figurative, Literary
Definition
Meaning
A historical telegraphic message sent urgently.
A metaphorical or euphemistic term for a sudden, forceful message or event, sometimes used humorously or in idiomatic contexts to describe rapid or alarming communication.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
As a fixed phrase, it is almost never used literally in modern contexts. Its primary modern existence is as a historical term or as a component of the idiom "to send a fast telegram," meaning to send a strongly worded or urgent communication, often in a diplomatic or personal dispute context.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant regional difference. The term is equally archaic in both dialects.
Connotations
In both varieties, it connotes historical communication methods, urgency, and formality. In idiomatic use, it can connote a stern, official reprimand.
Frequency
Extremely rare in contemporary use. More likely to appear in historical novels, films, or discussions of communication history.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
send [OBJ: a fast telegram] to [RECIPIENT]receive [OBJ: a fast telegram] from [SOURCE]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Send someone a fast telegram (idiom): To deliver a stern, urgent warning or reprimand.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Not used in contemporary business.
Academic
Used in historical or communication studies contexts.
Everyday
Virtually never used. Might appear humorously.
Technical
Not used in modern technical fields.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The Foreign Office was fast-telegrammed with the news.
- They fast-telegraphed their objections.
American English
- The State Department fast-telegraphed its instructions.
- We need to fast-telegram the approval.
adverb
British English
- The news travelled fast-telegram.
- He replied fast-telegram.
American English
- She communicated fast-telegram to get results.
- The decision came down fast-telegram.
adjective
British English
- He was a fast-telegram diplomat, known for blunt communications.
- The fast-telegram response was expected.
American English
- It was a fast-telegram kind of crisis.
- She used fast-telegram tactics in the negotiation.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- A long time ago, people sent fast telegrams.
- In the old film, the general received a fast telegram from the capital.
- The ambassador sent a fast telegram outlining her government's firm position on the treaty.
- The CEO's memo read like a fast telegram from head office, leaving no room for negotiation on the new policy.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a runner (fast) carrying an old-fashioned paper telegram. Speed + old tech = fast telegram.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMMUNICATION IS PHYSICAL TRANSPORT (a message is an object sent along a path).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate word-for-word as "быстрая телеграмма" in modern contexts; it sounds archaic/literal. For urgent modern messages, use "срочное сообщение" or "экспресс-сообщение." The idiom "send a fast telegram" has no direct equivalent.
Common Mistakes
- Using it to describe a modern text message or email.
- Confusing it with 'fast fashion' or other 'fast' compounds.
Practice
Quiz
In modern idiomatic use, 'to send a fast telegram' means:
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is very rare and considered a historical or figurative term.
No, it would sound archaic and odd. Use terms like 'urgent email' or 'priority message' instead.
Historically, a 'fast telegram' implied a service priority for quicker delivery. In modern understanding, the 'fast' is redundant as telegrams were inherently faster than post.
Not standard. You might see 'to fast-telegram' in creative or historical writing, but it is not part of modern standard English.