roneo: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Obsolete / Very LowHistorical/Technical/Dated
Quick answer
What does “roneo” mean?
A proprietary term for a specific type of stencil duplicator (a mimeograph machine).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A proprietary term for a specific type of stencil duplicator (a mimeograph machine).
To make copies of a document using such a machine, typically creating a purple, smudgy text; by extension, to duplicate or copy documents via any similar duplicating process.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Slightly more common in British and Commonwealth English, but largely obsolete in both varieties.
Connotations
Evokes nostalgia for older office/school environments. Can imply a crude, messy, or informal copying method.
Frequency
Extremely rare in contemporary use. Might be encountered in historical texts, memoirs, or by older generations.
Grammar
How to Use “roneo” in a Sentence
[Subject] roneo [Document] (transitive)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “roneo” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She had to roneo fifty copies of the choir schedule.
- The manifesto was roneoed and distributed secretly.
American English
- He roneoed the flyers for the school play.
- Can you get this roneoed by 3 pm?
adjective
British English
- The roneo ink had a peculiar, nostalgic smell.
- A pile of roneoed handouts sat on the desk.
American English
- We found a box of roneo stencils in the basement.
- The announcement came on a faded roneo sheet.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Historical context: The office junior would be tasked with roneoing the weekly memos.
Academic
In historical research describing pre-digital administrative practices.
Everyday
Virtually never used in modern everyday conversation except anecdotally.
Technical
Specific to discussions of obsolete reprographic technology.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “roneo”
- Using it to refer to modern photocopying or laser printing.
- Misspelling as 'roneau', 'ronio', or 'roneo'.
- Using it without a capital letter as the generic verb form is rare.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is obsolete. It was common in the mid-20th century but was replaced by 'photocopy' and digital printing.
Historically, yes (e.g., 'roneo this letter'). Today, it would sound archaic and most listeners under 50 might not understand it.
They are very similar technologies. 'Roneo' was a leading brand name for stencil duplicators, much like 'Xerox' for photocopiers. The terms are often used interchangeably.
The process used a porous stencil and ink that was pressed through it onto paper. The ink was often aniline-based, resulting in a characteristic purple hue that could smudge if handled before drying.
A proprietary term for a specific type of stencil duplicator (a mimeograph machine).
Roneo is usually historical/technical/dated in register.
Roneo: in British English it is pronounced /ˈrəʊnɪəʊ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈroʊniˌoʊ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[none]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Remember RONEO: Reproducing Official Notes Easily (with an Odour). The machines had a distinctive smell.
Conceptual Metaphor
COPYING IS MECHANICAL REPRODUCTION (involving physical effort and mess).
Practice
Quiz
What is the most accurate description of 'roneoing'?