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Post Office
pohst AH-fis
Definitions
1
Buildings ยท Public Services
Common
A government building or agency where mail is processed, sorted, and distributed. Used to indicate postal services, mailing activities, or physical post office locations.
Often used when discussing sending mail, package deliveries, or referencing postal services in general.
Need to mail this package before the ๐ค closes at 5pm.
Personal messaging
Just got my new passport from the ๐ค!
Social media post
Post offices represent traditional communication infrastructure, though usage has declined with digital alternatives.
2
Communication ยท Services
Uncommon
Symbolizes official communication, formal correspondence, or government-related paperwork. Can represent bureaucracy or official processes.
Sometimes used metaphorically to indicate formality or officialdom rather than an actual postal facility.
Finally sent off my tax forms ๐ค๐ Adulting achievement unlocked!
Social media
In digital contexts, can symbolize traditional, formal communication as opposed to instant messaging.
Evolution Timeline
2010
Introduced in Unicode 6.0 as part of early building-themed emoji set.
Growing need to represent common urban infrastructure in digital communication
2020
Saw increased usage during pandemic as postal services became essential for deliveries.
COVID-19 lockdowns and reliance on mail delivery for essential goods
Cultural Context
Post offices symbolize one of the oldest government services in many countries, dating back centuries as vital communication infrastructure.
Despite digital communication dominance, post offices remain important symbols of community connection, especially in rural areas.
The emoji represents an institution facing digital disruption, with physical mail volume declining as electronic alternatives grow.
Regional Variations
United Kingdom
Associated with Royal Mail and Post Office branches which often provide additional government services.
United States
Often associated with USPS (United States Postal Service) and may reference mail-in voting during elections.
Generational Usage
Gen_X: Regularly used when discussing mail, bills, and government services. Still values physical mail for certain communications.
Gen_Z: Rarely used except for specific contexts like online shopping deliveries or government documents. Often unfamiliar with full range of postal services.
Older: Frequently used and associated with traditional correspondence. Often views post offices as essential community services.
Millennials: Occasionally used for package deliveries, online shopping returns, and during life events requiring official documents.
Common Combinations
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Mailing or shipping a package
Common combination for discussing package deliveries or shipments
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Sending a personal letter or card
Often used for sentimental or traditional correspondence
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Mail-in voting or ballot submission
Prominent during election seasons, especially in countries with postal voting