📬️
Open Mailbox with Raised Flag
oh-pən māl-bŏks wĭth rāzd flăg
Definitions
1
Communication · Mail
Common
Represents a mailbox with its flag raised, indicating outgoing mail is ready for collection or that new mail has arrived.
Used to signify sending or receiving correspondence, often in digital contexts to represent email or messaging.
Just sent my application! 📬️ Fingers crossed!
Social media post
Check your inbox 📬️ I've sent you the documents.
Text message
In digital communication, serves as a metaphor for message delivery systems despite physical mailboxes becoming less common.
2
Notification · Alert
Uncommon
Symbolizes notifications, updates, or alerts, particularly in digital interfaces to indicate new information is available.
Often used by businesses or services to prompt users to check for updates or new information.
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Email notification
The raised flag visual cue transcends language barriers, making it effective for global digital interfaces.
Evolution Timeline
2010
Introduction in Unicode 6.0, reflecting transition from physical to digital mail metaphors.
Rise of smartphone adoption and mobile communication
2015
Increased usage as email notification symbol in apps and interfaces.
Standardization of notification systems across digital platforms
Cultural Context
Represents the digital-physical interface where physical mail metaphors persist in digital environments despite declining relevance of postal mail.
Younger users may have limited experience with physical mailboxes with flags, yet still understand the notification metaphor in digital contexts.
The specific design (blue box with red flag) is distinctly American, yet has been globalized through digital interfaces.
Regional Variations
United Kingdom
Less directly associated with British post boxes (which are typically red pillars without flags).
United States
Commonly associated with USPS blue mailboxes with red flags, representing both sending and receiving mail.
Generational Usage
Gen_X: More likely to use in literal postal context while adapting to digital metaphorical usage.
Gen_Z: Primarily understood as notification symbol rather than literal mailbox. Often used ironically when referencing actual mail.
Older: Primarily used literally to reference actual postal mail, with less frequent digital metaphorical usage.
Millennials: Used both literally for postal mail and metaphorically for digital notifications, particularly in work contexts.
Common Combinations
📬️📱
Mobile notifications or checking email on phone
Represents the shift from physical to digital mail checking behaviors
📬️📄
Important documents or official mail
Often used for job applications, legal documents, or formal correspondence
📬️❤️
Love letter or romantic message
Digital equivalent of receiving a love letter