📠
Fax Machine
faks məˈʃiːn
Definitions
1
Technology · Office
Uncommon
A fax machine emoji representing the electronic device used to transmit documents over telephone lines. Used to reference outdated technology or office environments.
Often used ironically to indicate something is outdated or to reference office work and business communications.
Just had to send a document via 📠 for this job application. What year is it?
Social media post
Our office still uses a 📠 for official documents. Old school!
Work chat
Represents technology that's largely obsolete in modern offices but persists as a symbol of traditional business communication.
2
Slang · Communication
Rare
Used metaphorically to mean 'facts' or 'sending information' in slang contexts, particularly in phrases like 'fax only, no printer' to emphasize truthfulness.
Primarily used by younger generations in informal contexts as wordplay.
That's straight 📠 no printer, he really did say that.
Social media comment
This usage emerged from internet slang where 'fax' sounds like 'facts,' creating a pun about sharing truthful information.
Evolution Timeline
2010
Emoji introduced as part of Unicode 6.0, representing a common office device of the era.
Standardization of workplace and technology emojis.
2018
Began appearing in slang contexts where 'fax' is used as wordplay for 'facts'.
Rise of internet slang and pun-based emoji usage among younger users.
Cultural Context
The fax machine emoji represents technology that's largely been replaced by digital alternatives, yet persists in specific industries like healthcare, legal, and government.
The phonetic similarity between 'fax' and 'facts' has created a slang usage where the emoji represents truthfulness rather than the machine itself.
While considered outdated in Western countries, fax machines remain standard in Japanese business culture, representing different technology adoption rates.
Regional Variations
Japan
Used more literally as fax machines remain commonplace in Japanese business culture.
United States
Often used ironically to reference outdated technology, especially in business contexts.
Generational Usage
Gen_X: More likely to use literally to reference actual faxing or office environments. May use in business communications.
Gen_Z: Often used ironically or in slang contexts like 'straight fax no printer' to mean 'facts/truth'. Rarely encountered the actual device.
Older: Used straightforwardly to reference fax machines, which were standard office equipment during their working years.
Millennials: Used both literally and ironically; many millennials remember using fax machines early in their careers or education.
Common Combinations
📠📄
Sending or receiving a fax document.
Used to reference traditional office communication methods.
📠💯
Absolute facts or truth; emphasizes something is completely accurate.
Internet slang where 'fax' sounds like 'facts' combined with '100%' emoji.