keypals

Digital pen pals

Keypals are pen pals who correspond electronically rather than by postal mail—friends who exchange emails, messages, or chat online.

The term emerged in the 1990s as schools began connecting students across countries via the internet: My daughter has a keypal in Japan.

The word plays on the older term, substituting keyboard for pen.

educational

classroom

Educational instruction space

studentsThose receiving instruction
language learningGaining fluency in another tongue
schoolsPlaces of learning

teachers · curriculum · cultural exchange · geography · foreign language · ESL · projects · assignments · global education · intercultural

correspondence

letter writing

Composing written messages

exchangeMutual giving and receiving
friendshipBond of mutual affection
communicationExchanging ideas or information

stamps · envelopes · postcards · airmail · international · mailbox · addresses · stationery · handwriting · overseas

digital

online

Network-connected state

internetInterconnected computer systems
virtualExisting in effect, not fact
messagingSending written digital communications

chat · screen · digital communication · web · computer · typing · inbox · electronic · connectivity · global

Opposites

mode of communication

keypalspen pals

Friends who exchange letters

pen friends · letter writers

physical presence

keypalsneighbors

Those dwelling nearby

classmates · roommates · coworkers

Family

key, email, pal, keyboard, pals, keyhole, keynote, keystone, keyed

Familiarity: Top 1,000,000
Profile: Used worldwide · Positive · Everyday, not technical · Rated G