Glossary - Used Terms

Postcard collecting is a fascinating hobby with its own unique terminology, acronyms and jargon. To help you understand the language of postcard collecting, here is a glossary of terms commonly used in the field.

In this glossary, you'll find definitions for most used terms by collectors. Whether you're a seasoned collector or just starting out, understanding these terms will help you navigate the world of postcard collecting with confidence.

So, let's dive in and explore the glossary, and don't hesitate to reference it whenever you come across a term you're unfamiliar with. With time, these terms will become second nature, and you'll be able to fully immerse yourself in the wonderful world of postcard collecting!

Abidjan - the largest city and the former capital of Ivory Coast. In stamp collecting and postal history, Abidjan refers to the final official design cycle of the International Reply Coupon (IRC). The design was introduced and named after the city during the 27th Universal Postal Union (UPU) Congress hosted in Abidjan (planned in 2020, but postponed due COVID in 2021)

Ad card - (Short for: Advertising Card). They can be found in Germany in Public places (Museums, Theatres, Toilettes) or in many other places and also in other countries. You can find advertising postcards (often called "ad cards" or "freecards") across several real-world spots and online spaces: Freecard Commercial Racks, Transit & Tourism Hubs, Retail Countertops (eg Ikea or McDonalds), Public Libraries & Book Festivals

Address - or shipping address or postal address - is where the postcard/ postal item will be delivered. It must be written clearly and in a larger format in the bottom-right corner of an envelope, or on the designated right-hand side lines of a postcard. 

Addressee - see Recipient

Aerogramme - An aerogramme (also spelled aerogram or air letter) is a specialized pre-paid postal stationery item consisting of a single, lightweight sheet of paper that is written on, folded, sealed along the edges, and mailed via airmail without needing an envelope. The paper used is purposefully engineered to be paper-thin to keep the weight of the air cargo as low as possible, allowing postal services to offer a cheap, flat-rate international airmail fee. The primary differences between an aerogramme and a standard Air Mail envelope lie in their physical structure, how the postage is paid, and what you are allowed to place inside them.

Air labels: Air labels, or etiquettes, are used by Universal Postal Union member nations to denote airmail carriage. They are inscribed “Par Avion’’ (French for “By Airmail’’). The text usually includes the same message in the language of the country of origin. Air labels also are adhesives issued by private organizations for specific, unofficial flights.

Airmail: The carriage of mail by air. The first regular airmail service began in 1870, when mail was carried from Paris - then besieged by German forces-over enemy lines by balloon. Many countries have issued postage stamps, stamped envelopes, postal cards and aerograms specially designated for airmail use. The first airmail stamp was issued by Italy in 1917.

Back of the Card - For most postcard collectors this will mean the address side of the postcard, although some philatelic (stamp) collectors consider the back the picture side.

B/E - blank in envelope. The exact opposite of the rule "no envelope". The recipient wants the postcard tucked safely inside a separate mailing envelope so it arrives in flawless, pristine condition with zero machine tracking ink, scratches, or weather damage.

Blank (or Nude cards) - A postcards not written sent in an envelope. Short version B/E (Blank In envelope)

B&W - B&W postcards stands for Black and White postcards. These cards do not use modern colors; instead, they rely entirely on shades of gray, rich blacks, and crisp whites to form the image on the front.They are highly valued in Postcrossing and philatelic communities for their artistic, timeless aesthetic.

Cartophily (Cigarette and Trade Cards) - The collection of small collectible cards originally issued inside packaging by tobacco companies and other trades. History - Popular from the late 19th to mid-20th century. Purpose - Used originally as stiffeners to protect cigarette packs and as a marketing tool to build brand loyalty. Content: Often featured standardized series on sports, military uniforms, nature, and actors.

CCUN - Chinese Characters United Nations - a series of postcard with 5 words translated from Local Language to Chinese - showing something famous from the specific country

Deltiology is the study and collection of postcards. It is a popular hobby similar to philately, but focuses specifically on postcards rather than stamps. Deltiologists collect postcards for their historical and cultural significance, as well as for their artistic and aesthetic value.

Like philately, deltiology is a hobby enjoyed by people of all ages and from all walks of life. Collectors may focus on a particular theme, such as vintage holiday postcards, or postcards from a specific location or time period. They also enjoy learning about the history behind each postcard and may participate in postcard exhibitions and swaps to expand their collections.

Overall, deltiology is a fun and educational hobby that provides an opportunity to explore the history and culture of different countries and periods, and to appreciate the beauty and artistry of postcard design. Not to be confused with Cartophily.

DLO - Dead Letter Office (DLO) - now often called a Mail Recovery Center  is a specialized facility within a national postal authority where mail is sent when it cannot be delivered to the recipient and cannot be returned to the sender. It serves as the postal system's final destination for dead, lost, or completely untraceable communication.

Why Mail Ends Up in the DLO?

• Illegible or Wrong Addresses: The recipient's address is completely missing, misspelled, or written in unreadable handwriting.
• No Return Address: The mail piece cannot be sent back to the sender because they forgot to write a return address on the outside of the envelope.
• Moved or Deceased Addressee: The recipient has moved away without leaving a forwarding address, or they have passed away.
• Refusal to Pay: The recipient refuses to accept the mail or refuses to pay an underpaid shipping fee penalty (postage due).
  

What Happens Inside a Dead Letter Office?

• Legal Right to Open Mail: DLO employees are the only postal workers with the strict legal authority to open sealed envelopes and packages. They do this exclusively to search the inner contents for clues - such as a phone number, name, or address inside a letter - to figure out who sent it or who it belongs to.
• Handling Valuables: If cash, checks, or valuable items are found inside packages, they are carefully logged and held in a secure vault for a specific holding window (usually 3 to 12 months) waiting for someone to file a claim.
• Shredding and Security: If no identifying clues are found after opening a personal letter, it is permanently destroyed or shredded to strictly protect the privacy of the correspondence. Unclaimed items of value are sometimes sold off at public postal auctions or donated to charity.

In modern postal systems, automated high-speed scanners and digital imaging software are used first to try and digitally reconstruct or read damaged and faint handwriting before the mail is physically sent to a human clerk at the Mail Recovery Center.

DIY - Do it yourself . DIY postcards - self made postcards

Embossed - Postcards that have designs slightly raised above the card's surface. Heavily embossed postcards have almost a papier-mâché look that stands greatly above the surface. Mainly used in greeting type cards.

Embroidered - Postcards which embroidery is added.

FNS - Futuristic National Symbols of one country - Postcards with The National Animal, Flower or Bird of that specific country - in a futuristic vision, made with AI

FDC -  accronym for First Day Cover. First day covers (FDC) are specially designed envelopes with a postage stamp or postage stamps that have been cancelled on the day of publication. If you want to post a first day cover later, you have to use a new postage stamp on it. There can be official issued FDC  - which are usually more expensive - or private made FDC - with the new stamps from that day and the special Postmark issued for the day. You can see an example here

FOTW - Flags of the world series - you can see them here

Folded Cards - A folded card is a piece of thick paper or cardstock bent in half or into multiple panels. It creates a front cover and an inside writing area. Unlike flat postcards, it usually needs an envelope to mail. Common Uses: Birthday and holiday greeting cards,Wedding and party invitations

From origin - (or "matching origin"). Request is that the country featured on the front of the postcard to match the country where the sender is physically mailing it from. Postcrossers love authenticity.

• For many collectors, receiving a Greetings From Japan postcard that is actually stamped, written, and mailed from a user living in Japan feels genuine and valuable. Conversely, they want to avoid "fake" geographic matches - such as receiving a postcard of New York City that was written and sent by someone living in France. 
• Common Examples of "From Origin" Requests:
  • Country Match: If you live in Germany and pull a user's address who asks for a card "from origin," you should send them a postcard showing Germany, German landmarks, or German culture.
  • Series Match (MOTW / FOTW / GF): If a user writes "I love FOTW from origin," it means they want the Flags of the World postcard for Finland, sent by you from Finland (if you are living in Finland). They do not want you to send them the FOTW card for Italy or for Spain for example.
  • The Golden Rule: Always look at your own location. If you are mailing a postcard, look for a card in your stash that represents your local town, region, or country to fulfill this preference.

Greeting Cards - Most collectors refer to this term when describing birthday and holiday type postcards. They can be folded cards as well.

Greetings from series - public info over a backround specific to the country. Sold by Postal Love (Poland)

HPC - Happy Postcrossing Card - Papersisters (Germany) make several series of cards.

Icons of - a series of postcard showing iconic symbols of a country, made by an online shop from Singapore.

IL (Inge Löök): The iconic Finnish illustrations featuring two cheerful, carefree old ladies (known as the "Aunties") who pull pranks, enjoy wine, and live life to the fullest.

International Reply Coupon - An International Reply Coupon (IRC) is a voucher bought at a post office and sent to someone in another country. The receiver can trade it at their local post office for stamps to reply. This saves people from needing foreign money or stamps. Bearing the ID - CN01 - being the 01 Postal Form. Standard Value - One coupon trades for the lowest airmail cost to send a priority letter abroad. Expiration - Coupons include a printed expiration date on the back and must be used before that time. The official termination day for the entire International Reply Coupon (IRC) program is December 31, 2026. Final Validity Date - All current coupons (including "Abidjan" models originally stamped for 2025) have had their validity extended to December 31, 2026.

Lenticular (or 3D card) - This type of post card shows one scene than another when viewed at a different angle or moved.

Logo - Decorative initials or drawings which is the trademark for the publisher/ company

LP (Lou Paper): Highly collectible postcards illustrated by artist Louise Neumann (USA). Her style is famous for beautifully detailed watercolor compilations of seasonal foods, flora, fauna, and US states.

* LOU paper postcards are a type of postcard that were popular in the early 20th century. The term "LOU" is short for the French word "Lettre d'Ouverture Universelle" which translates to "universal letter opening." LOU paper postcards were unique in that they had a fold-out flap on the back, allowing the sender to write a longer message than would fit on a traditional postcard. This feature made them particularly popular for sending messages to friends and family. The LOU paper postcards were often printed on high-quality paper with intricate designs and images, making them highly collectible today. Many collectors focus on acquiring LOU paper postcards from specific countries or regions, or those that feature specific themes, such as holidays or landmarks. If you're interested in collecting Lou paper postcards, it's a good idea to do your research and familiarize yourself with the different types and styles of postcards that are available. You can also join postcard collecting clubs and attend postcard shows to meet other collectors and learn more about the hobby. With time and experience, you'll be able to build a collection that reflects your interests and showcases your passion for postcard collecting.

Maxi-Card - A maxi-card (also known as a maximum card) is a specialized philatelic collectible that consists of three specific elements: a picture postcard, a postage stamp, and a cancellation postmark. To be considered a true maxi-card, all three of these components must share a matching visual theme and the stamp must be affixed directly to the picture side of the postcard. The study and collection of these items is known as maximaphily. The postcards can be made following official rules or "privately made"

• Stamp - Under the official regulations of the International Federation of Philately, the Postage Stamp is defined as a single, officially issued postal stamp that is valid for postage and affixed exclusively to the illustrated front side of the postcard. This stamp must be available to the general public, meaning that special items like fiscal stamps, postage-due stamps, pre-cancelled stamps, and digital or online-printed labels are strictly prohibited from use.
• The Picture Postcard is defined as a standard, commercially manufactured rectangular card whose main front illustration shares the maximum possible visual agreement with the theme of the postage stamp. To maintain competitive integrity, this postcard must have been available on the market independently or before the stamp's release date, and it cannot feature multiple split images, collages, altered sizes, or reproductions of the stamp’s face value and perforations.
• The Cancellation is defined as an official postal mark applied directly by an authorized post office that covers a portion of both the stamp and the postcard to provide a direct geographic or historical link to the subject. The postmark must originate from a location intimately tied to the stamp's theme, such as a monument's city or a person's birthplace, and while a first-day-of-issue cancellation is preferred, an ordinary postmark is acceptable as long as it was applied during the stamp's official period of postal validity

Meet-up Postcards (Postcrossing Meeting postcards) - When Postcrossers get together one or more people will have cards printed up to celebrate the event. On the front will be the date and location of the meeting and a photo or drawing to commemorate the meeting. On the front of the postcard may be or not the logo of Postcrossing website. More details here.

MOTW - Maps of the World Series - a series of cards designed by a Swiss Designer containting map of teh country and public info and symbols of that country

Multi-view cards: A multiview card is a postcard that features multiple distinct images or photos arranged on the front side, typically in a collage or grid layout. Unlike a standard view card which shows just one large single photograph, a multiview card combines anywhere from 2 to many smaller pictures highlighting different angles, landmarks, or scenery from a specific city or region.

• In official international maximaphily competitions, multiview cards are strictly forbidden. Federation rules require a card to feature only one single, unified image to ensure clean, maximum visual agreement with the postage stamp and cancellation mark.
• "no multiview please" request - many Postcrossing members write "No multiviews" on their profiles because they prefer the high visual impact of a single, large photograph. When a postcard is split into a collage of multiple tiny boxes, collectors feel the individual images become too small to appreciate, losing their artistic detail and photographic depth.

"Official cards" - In the Postcrossing community, members use specific standardized phrases in their profiles to set clear boundaries on how they want their postcards processed and delivered. These phrases guide senders on the tactile and visual experience the recipient prefers. 

• What it means: The user wants commercially printed postcards manufactured by professional stationery brands, souvenir publishers, or museums.
• What to avoid: Do not send handmade (DIY) cards, photos printed on a home inkjet printer, cards cut out of product packaging, or low-quality printouts, unless their profile explicitly states they welcome them.
  

"No envelopes" / "Written and stamped" / "Naked cards" 

• What it means: The member wants the postcard to travel exposed through the mail system. They want the adhesive stamp stuck directly onto the back of the postcard and postmarked by the postal service machinery or hand postmarked.
• Why they ask for this: For many collectors, the true romance of the hobby lies in the physical signs of transit - ink stamps, transit marks, and the minor scuffs gathered during an international journey.
  

PAQUEBOT -  is a French word meaning "packet boat" or mail ship. In postal history and stamp collecting, a paquebot mark is a special cancellation stamped on mail posted by passengers or crew aboard a ship at sea, which is then handed over to land postal authorities at the next port of call.

• The Paquebot system was a method of handling maritime mail in which a letter was placed in a ship’s mailbox while the vessel was sailing on the open sea or entering a port where no onboard post office was available, after which a ship’s officer gathered the mail and delivered it in bulk to the local post office at the vessel’s next port of call; the receiving post office then applied a special “PAQUEBOT” handstamp to indicate that the letter had been posted at sea and to explain why mail processed in that country might bear foreign postage stamps or lack a local cancellation date corresponding to ordinary inland postal routes, while international rules established by the Universal Postal Union from the late 1890s generally required such correspondence to be franked with stamps issued by the country in which the vessel was registered.
• You can still use the system - but you have some work to do:

  • Write the recipient’s full address.

  • Add the correct postage - using stamps from the country where the vessel is registered

  • Hand it to Guest Services or the ship’s purser.

  • Ask them to send it as “Paquebot” mail and obtain the special postmark (of the vessel).

  • The ship will usually hand it to a post office at the next port, where it is cancelled and mailed.

Philately is the study and collection of postage stamps and other related materials, such as envelopes, postcards, and covers. It is a popular hobby enjoyed by people all over the world, who collect stamps based on a variety of themes, including countries of origin, specific historical events, or unique designs.

Philatelists appreciate the cultural, historical, and artistic aspects of stamps, and often engage in research and historical analysis to better understand the stories behind each stamp. They also often enjoy cataloging and organizing their collections, and may participate in stamp exhibitions and auctions to trade and acquire new additions to their collections.

Overall, philately is a diverse and fascinating hobby that brings together people from all walks of life and provides opportunities for learning, research, and discovery.

Postal Stationery Card - A postal stationery card is an official postcard issued by a government postal authority that has a postage stamp printed directly onto the card stock itself. This pre-printed stamp design is known as an "indicia" or an "impressed stamp." Can be issued also without pre-printed stamp - and in that case to send it postally you must affix a proper stamp to cover the postage.

Postage Due - Postage due means that a piece of mail has insufficient or entirely unpaid postage, and the recipient must pay the missing amount before the post office will hand it over.Instead of returning the underpaid letter back to the sender, the postal service delivers it forward but holds it until the person receiving it pays the financial penalty.

Postally Used (or w&s - Written and Stamped- A postcard showing a cancellation mark, sent via postal system, written text on it.

Postcrossing -  is a global online project that allows people from all over the world to send and receive real, physical postcards from random strangers 

PWE - Postcard World Explorer a series with the map of the country and the name of their anthem, printed with a special printing techinque - selective laquer. You can see them here

Recipient - the recipient (also referred to as the addressee) is the person who receives the letter, postcard, or package. Is the target destination for the mail carrier. In cases of underpaid mail ("postage due"), the recipient is the person asked to pay the financial penalty to collect the mail piece.

Sender - The sender is the person who originates and sends the letter, postcard, or package. The sender is responsible for writing the message, buying the correct postage stamps, paying any necessary shipping fees, and dropping the mail into a mailbox.

Sepia - A sepia postcard is a postcard that features an image printed in warm tones of brown, tan, and cream instead of full color or crisp black and white.The name comes from sepia ink, which was originally a reddish-brown pigment extracted from the ink sac of the common cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis).

Series - Groups of postcards that belong together in a collection. The individual cards may or may not have been printed at the same time. More than just a common topic, a series has a common artist and publisher.

Size of Postcards:

• Standard Size - Approximately 3 1/2 x 5 1/2 inches
• Court Size - Usually a Foreign postcard and approximately 3 1/2 x 4 1/2 inches
• Continental Size - Approximately 4 x 6 inches, common size for modern cards (10.5 x 15 centimeters)
• Jumbo or Over Sized - Larger than Continental
• Bookmark Cards - Long and narrow approximately 2 1/2 x 5 or 6 inches.
• Miniature Size - Approximately 1/2 size of Standard.

T - Postage Due - standalone "T" handstamp is the official Universal Postal Union (UPU) symbol for "Taxe" (the French word for fee or surcharge).  When an international mail facility spots an underpaid letter, they handstamp a large letter "T" on the front of the envelope along with a number (e.g. "T 15").

Telegram - A telegram is a written or printed message that is transmitted electronically over a wire network using an instrument called a telegraph. Invented in the 19th century, it was the world’s very first form of text messaging. Senders would visit a telegraph office, where an operator would translate their written words into Morse code (pulses of electricity) and transmit them over cables to a receiving station near the destination. Another operator would decode the pulses, print or hand-write the text onto a form, and deliver it by hand to the recipient. Because telegraph companies charged by the word, people developed a short, condensed writing style and famously substituted the word "STOP" for periods to save money.

• The Global Era Ended: July 14, 2013. This is widely recognized as the official death of the traditional telegram. On this day, India’s state-owned telecom company (BSNL) shut down its 162-year-old telegraph system, which was the last major public, state-run network operating on a massive scale globally
• Local Milestones: Various European countries held out slightly longer or shorter; for example, Poșta Română discontinued telegrams in 2004, and Belgium closed its service in December 2017

Titina and friends - Postcard Series designed by Swonild Genovese. Titina was a real cat  - birthday on 30 March. And Titina have so many animal friends. You can discover the entire series here

Topics or Topicals - Themes and subjects such as Dogs, Cats, Airplanes or Flowers. Not scenes or views. (motifs - for German Users) 

TS - TS Tausendschön cards are a highly popular brand of collectible stationery and postcards produced in Germany by the company Edition Tausendschön. In global postcard-sharing communities like Postcrossing, they are widely referred to by the abbreviation "TS".

UNESCO postcards - postcards that feature sites officially recognized on the UNESCO World Heritage List.These locations are chosen by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization for having outstanding cultural, historical, or natural value to humanity. Can be with or without official logo printed. The Unesco logo has very clear and restrictive rules and can be used only with approval.

UPU - Universal Postal Union. An international organization formed in Bern, Switzerland, in 1874, to regulate and standardize postal usage and to facilitate the movement of mail between member nations. Today, most nations belong to the UPU.

View card - A view card is a philatelic and hobby term used to describe a postcard that features a photograph or illustration of a specific place on its front side. This typically includes landscapes, city skylines, famous monuments, or historical buildings. Unlike plain postal stationery cards, which are blank and issued by post offices solely for writing messages, the primary purpose of a view card is to showcase a visual depiction of a geographical location.

WC Postcards - World Cloud Postcards - designed by Postcardsisters in Hungary.

W/E - written in envelope

World Fashion - Postcard series with World Fashion Historical Drawings. Every country have traditional clothes, even depending by regions. This series to collect the most important characteristics and put them in a special made hand colorized design. The paintings are made by a Romanian Designer, and he is also a church walls painter.

WPD - World Postcard Day (WPD) is a global celebration dedicated to promoting and celebrating the joy of sending and receiving handwritten postcards. The event takes place every year on October 1.The celebration was initiated in 2019 by the global postcard-sharing platform Postcrossing to mark the 150th anniversary of the official introduction of the world's very first postcard . More details here

WPD MOTW - This is a highly popular, specialized spin-off of the famous MOTW (Maps of the World) collection. Both series were created by the international stationery brand Postcards Market and illustrated by the artist Suaithai. Postal Heritage Theme: While standard MOTW cards focus on general country facts, geography, and culture, the WPD MOTW variant focuses entirely on postal history. Each card features a stylized country map surrounded by iconic local mailboxes, historical post office buildings, famous vintage stamps, and classic postmarks.

W/S - written and stamped, real postally circulated

WT - World Travel - postcard series made in Taiwan

If you see / feel that anything is missing - please send us an email to shop@postcardsmarket.com