What does the bcc mean in email Meaning and Definition
What does the bcc mean in email
Pronunciation
/ˌbiːˈsiː/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A field on an email message that allows the sender to add recipients whose email addresses should not be disclosed to the email’s other recipients.
Etymology
The term “bcc” is an abbreviation of “blind carbon copy”. It originated in the early days of email, when senders needed a way to send emails to multiple recipients without revealing their email addresses to each other.
Usage Notes
When using the bcc field, it’s important to keep in mind that the recipients whose email addresses are included in the field will only see their own email address in the “To” or “From” field, but not the email addresses of the other recipients.
Additional Information
The bcc field is often used for confidentiality or to send emails to people who should not be aware of other recipients. However, it’s also important to use discretion when using the bcc field, as it can lead to feelings of exclusion or confidentiality breach if not handled properly. Some email clients also offer the option to create a “cc” field, which allows senders to add recipients who should receive a copy of the email but are not included in the original “To” field.
Some email providers also offer features that allow senders to automatically remove the bcc information from the email headers, ensuring that the recipients whose email addresses are included in the bcc field do not see each other’s email addresses. This feature is often referred to as “bcc stripping” or “bcc removal”.
Cultural References
The term “bcc” has been referenced in popular culture, including in movies, TV shows, and memes. For example, the 2013 movie “We’re the Millers” features a scene where a character discusses using the bcc field to send an email without revealing the recipient’s email address to others.
Bcc has also been referenced in TV shows such as “The Office” and “Parks and Recreation”, where characters use the bcc field to send emails for confidential or humorous purposes.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
There are no common idiomatic expressions or phrases that include the word “bcc”. However, the term “blind carbon copy” is sometimes used in a humorous or ironic way to refer to a situation where someone is being kept in the dark or unaware of something.
Related Words or Phrases
cc: a field on an email message that allows the sender to add recipients who should receive a copy of the email, but are not included in the original “To” field.
To: a field on an email message that specifies the primary recipients of the email.
From: a field on an email message that specifies the sender of the email.
Collocations
The term “bcc” is often used in combination with phrases such as “email recipient”, “email address”, “confidential information”, or “private correspondence”.
Frequency of Use
The frequency of use of the term “bcc” varies depending on the context and industry. In general, it is commonly used in business and professional settings where confidentiality is important, and less commonly used in personal or social email correspondence.
Common Misspellings
Some common misspellings of the term “bcc” include “bce”, “bcci”, or “bcce”.