Is 'Rolodex' still a trademark?

Yes, it is a registered trademark, but it is often used generically (a genericized trademark), like 'hoover' or 'kleenex'.

Can I use 'rolodex' as a verb?

No, this is non-standard and would be confusing. Use verbs like 'to add to your contacts', 'to network with', or 'to file'.

Is the word 'rolodex' understood by younger people?

Younger speakers may not know the physical device but often understand the metaphorical meaning ('network of contacts') from business/media contexts.

What's the difference between a 'rolodex' and a 'little black book'?

A 'little black book' is smaller, often implies romantic contacts, and is more secretive. A 'rolodex' is larger, for business/professional contacts, and is more publicly acknowledged as an asset.

rolodex

UK/ˈrəʊlədɛks/US/ˈroʊləˌdɛks/

informal, business

My Flashcards

Definition

Meaning

A rotating desktop filing device with removable cards, used for storing contact information (e.g., names, addresses, phone numbers).

By metonymy, one's personal or professional collection of contacts, connections, or network of influential people.

Linguistics

Semantic Notes

Originally a brand name (a portmanteau of 'rolling' and 'index'), now often used generically. The physical object is largely obsolete, but the metaphorical use remains common.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

Usage is very similar, but the metaphorical sense ('network of contacts') is slightly more prevalent in American business jargon.

Connotations

Connotes an older, pre-digital era of business; using it metaphorically suggests valuable, personal, 'old-school' connections.

Frequency

Low frequency in both, primarily found in business/journalism contexts. More likely to be understood in the US due to brand familiarity.

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

extensiveimpressivepersonaldigitalvirtualbusiness

medium

famouspowerfulvaluablelittle black bookcontact

weak

oldleathermetalflip throughcard in the

Grammar

Valency Patterns

have + a/an + [adjective] + rolodexflip through + [possessive] + rolodexbe + in + [possessive] + rolodex

Vocabulary

Synonyms

Strong

networklittle black bookcontacts

Neutral

card fileaddress bookcontact list

Weak

directoryindexfile

Vocabulary

Antonyms

strangernobodyisolation

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

“[someone's] Rolodex is legendary”
“a Rolodex of [influential people]”

Usage

Context Usage

Business

Common: 'He got the job because of his impressive Rolodex.'

Academic

Rare, except in historical or sociological discussions of networking.

Everyday

Uncommon; mostly used by older generations or metaphorically.

Technical

Virtually never used in technical contexts.

Examples

By CEFR Level

Before smartphones, people kept phone numbers in a Rolodex.

The veteran journalist has a Rolodex full of politicians and CEOs.
I found his old business card in my dusty Rolodex.

Her real value to the firm isn't her degree, but her unparalleled Rolodex of industry insiders.
He spent years cultivating a Rolodex that is now the envy of his competitors.

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think: ROLLing in contacts like a DEXterous networker.

Conceptual Metaphor

SOCIAL CAPITAL IS A PHYSICAL OBJECT / NETWORK IS A CONTAINER (of cards/contacts).

Watch out

Common Pitfalls

Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)

Avoid direct translation; no exact equivalent. 'Визитница' refers only to the physical card holder, not the network. 'Связи' (connections) or 'адресная книга' are better for the metaphor.

Common Mistakes

Misspelling: 'roledex', 'rollodex'. Using it as a verb ('I'll rolodex him' is non-standard).

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

In the old office, you could find any contact by spinning the on the desk.

Multiple Choice

What is the most common modern meaning of 'rolodex' in business English?

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: Yes, it is a registered trademark, but it is often used generically (a genericized trademark), like 'hoover' or 'kleenex'.
: No, this is non-standard and would be confusing. Use verbs like 'to add to your contacts', 'to network with', or 'to file'.
: Younger speakers may not know the physical device but often understand the metaphorical meaning ('network of contacts') from business/media contexts.
: A 'little black book' is smaller, often implies romantic contacts, and is more secretive. A 'rolodex' is larger, for business/professional contacts, and is more publicly acknowledged as an asset.