📧
ee-meyl
Definitions
1
Communication · Digital
Very Common
Represents electronic mail or email, the digital messaging system used to send and receive messages over the internet. Used to indicate digital communication or correspondence.
Commonly used in professional contexts to reference email communication or when discussing digital messaging.
I'll send you the details via 📧 tomorrow.
Business messaging
Check your 📧, I just sent the files!
Personal messaging
A universal symbol of digital communication that transcends language barriers in our interconnected world.
2
Work · Professional
Common
Symbolizes work-related communication or professional correspondence. Often used to indicate pending messages or email-related tasks.
Frequently used in workplace contexts to reference checking, sending, or managing emails.
Working from home today, catching up on 📧 before the meeting.
Social media status
Often associated with work responsibilities and the modern office environment.
Evolution Timeline
2010
Emoji standardized in Unicode 6.0, reflecting the growing importance of email communication.
Rise of smartphone usage and mobile email access
2015
Usage shifted as messaging apps began to replace email for personal communications among younger users.
Growing preference for instant messaging platforms
Cultural Context
Despite predictions of its demise, email remains central to professional communication while messaging apps dominate personal exchanges.
Younger generations view email as more formal and primarily for professional use, while older generations use it for both personal and professional communication.
The email emoji represents the digital transformation of traditional letter writing and communication practices.
Regional Variations
United Kingdom
More likely to be written as 'e-mail' with the hyphen in British English, especially in formal contexts.
United States
More commonly referred to as 'email' without the hyphen in American English.
Generational Usage
Gen_X: Regularly used across contexts; viewed as a standard communication tool for both personal and professional purposes.
Gen_Z: Used primarily for formal or professional contexts; often seen as outdated compared to direct messaging platforms.
Older: Embraced as a primary digital communication method; often preferred over newer messaging platforms.
Millennials: Commonly used for both work and personal communication; often associated with productivity and work-life balance challenges.
Common Combinations
📧📎
Email with attachment or document being sent via email.
Universal symbol combination for sending files or documents electronically.
📧✅
Email task completed or email has been sent/read.
Used in productivity contexts to indicate completed communication tasks.
📧📱
Mobile email or checking email on a smartphone.
Reflects the modern habit of accessing email on mobile devices.