mimeo: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very low (archaic/technical)Informal, dated, historical, niche technical
Quick answer
What does “mimeo” mean?
A mimeograph machine, or a copy produced by it.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A mimeograph machine, or a copy produced by it.
Informal or dated term for duplicating something via a mimeograph; by extension, can mean to produce something in a cheap, mass-produced, or uncritical way.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties understood the term equally when mimeographs were in use. No significant regional difference in meaning or form.
Connotations
Evokes mid-20th century office or school environments.
Frequency
Equally rare and dated in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “mimeo” in a Sentence
[Verb] to mimeo something[Noun] a pile of mimeosVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “mimeo” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She had to mimeo fifty copies of the agenda for the meeting.
- Can you mimeo this circular by noon?
American English
- He mimeoed the flyers for the band's first gig.
- I'll mimeo the syllabus for everyone.
adjective
British English
- The mimeo ink had a distinctive chemical smell.
- They found a box of mimeo stencils in the attic.
American English
- The church newsletter had a classic mimeo look.
- She handed out mimeo sheets still damp with ink.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Historical: 'The memo was circulated via mimeo.'
Academic
Historical/descriptive: 'Zine culture initially relied on mimeo machines.'
Everyday
Virtually unused except in nostalgic conversation.
Technical
In discussions of historical printing/duplication technology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “mimeo”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “mimeo”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mimeo”
- Confusing it with 'mime' (the performer).
- Using it in a modern context for photocopying.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is considered archaic or historical. It was made obsolete by the photocopier and digital printing.
A mimeo uses a stencil and ink to press through onto paper. A photocopy uses light and electrostatic charges (xerography).
Yes, though dated. It means to produce copies using a mimeograph machine (e.g., 'She mimeoed the newsletter').
Mainly for historical accuracy, nostalgic effect, or in specific subcultures like discussions of vintage office equipment or DIY 'zine history.
A mimeograph machine, or a copy produced by it.
Mimeo is usually informal, dated, historical, niche technical in register.
Mimeo: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɪmɪəʊ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɪmioʊ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The smell of mimeo (evokes nostalgia for a specific era)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
MIME-O: Imagine a MIME (performer) robotically copying (O like a zero) pages, representing the mechanical duplication.
Conceptual Metaphor
REPRODUCTION IS MECHANICAL ACTION (obsolete technology).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary context for the word 'mimeo' today?