Collective nouns

A collective noun is:

a subject-specific word used to define a grouping of people, animals, objects or concepts. For example, in the phrase “a pride of lions”, pride is a collective noun.

I have searched in vain for an accepted collective noun for emails. Leaping into the breach I’ve decided to come up with an appropriate collective noun. I’m taking suggestions. I already have my own candidate but I’m keeping it close to my vest. I’ll post the results.

3 comments… add one
  • Susan Glenn Link

    I think different kinds of emails deserve a different collective noun. For instance if you have a large number of emails, and you are virtually enmired in them, or swallowed up in a deep and murky slough of them, I would call that a “slew of emails.” If you have a lot of emails that brighten your day, and are friendly or welcome notes from friends, relatives, or admirers, I would call that a “cache of emails.”

  • michael Link

    Well, i would most likely say that if i were to be talking about a large sum of emails, i would use the term “gaggle”. Is the word gaggle used in context? The answer is no. There more important question is- is the word gaggle halariously fun to say? the answer is an outstanding YES. just say it. A gaggle of email. It makes me chuckle just saying it to myself. You too, can be free to use the wonderful word as much as your heart desires. And frankly, i desire to say it a wee bit too much.

  • P.A.S. Kubista Link

    Hello,
    I was looking for this myself and surfed for an answer… got here.

    I like Susan”s suggestions. Not a lot of activity here though. Only 2 replies.
    So how about a mass of mails … to keep it simple.
    or a multiplicity of mails… or even a matrix of mails. I did come across a “nine” of mails if they are annoying ones. Number 3 here:
    http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=collective+nouns.
    Otherwise I still have to think about this. let me know if there is a definite one.

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