mailbag
C1Formal, historical, journalistic.
Definition
Meaning
A large, sturdy bag used for carrying letters and parcels, historically by postmen or on trains.
A collection of letters and messages received by an organization or individual, especially a public figure or media outlet; metaphorically, the correspondence itself.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
While the literal object is now rare, the term remains active in metaphorical/journalistic use to refer to a batch of reader/listener correspondence.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both use the term. 'Postbag' is a common British alternative, especially for the metaphorical 'letters received' meaning.
Connotations
UK: Slightly more quaint, associated with postmen or radio/TV shows. US: Associated with postal service history, newspaper columns, or radio shows.
Frequency
More frequent in US media discourse (e.g., 'the presidential mailbag'). In the UK, 'postbag' may be equally or more common for the metaphorical sense.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject: person/organization] has a [adjective] mailbag[Verb: carry/sort/open] the mailbagthe mailbag is full of [noun: letters/complaints/questions]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “dig into the mailbag”
- “the mailbag is overflowing (with responses)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in media/publishing businesses referring to audience feedback.
Academic
Used historically in social history discussing communication.
Everyday
Uncommon in literal sense; understood in metaphorical/media contexts.
Technical
In postal logistics, 'mail sack' or 'pouch' is preferred.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The postman carried a heavy mailbag.
- The radio host opened his mailbag to read listeners' questions.
- After the controversial article, the editor's mailbag was overflowing with angry letters.
- The senator's office meticulously categorized every piece of correspondence in the daily mailbag to gauge public sentiment.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a MAIL carrier with a BAG slung over the shoulder.
Conceptual Metaphor
CORRESPONDENCE IS A PHYSICAL CONTAINER (The mailbag holds public opinion).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating as 'почтовая сумка' (postman's satchel) for the metaphorical sense. For 'we received a large mailbag,' use 'нам пришло много писем.'
Common Mistakes
- Using 'mailbag' for a digital inbox (too archaic). Confusing with 'mailbox' (the collection point).
Practice
Quiz
In British journalism, which term is most interchangeable with 'mailbag' in its metaphorical sense?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, its primary modern use is metaphorical, referring to the collection of letters or messages received, especially by media or public figures.
A 'mailbox' is a fixed receptacle for receiving mail. A 'mailbag' is a portable container for carrying mail, or metaphorically, the batch of mail itself.
It's considered archaic and stylistically marked if used for email. 'Inbox' is the standard term.
It is understood but less common. 'Mailbag' is the standard American term for both literal and figurative uses.