pen and paper

Ink and sheets

Pen and paper refers to traditional writing materials, used as a unit to emphasize physical rather than digital methods: I prefer to brainstorm with pen and paper.

The phrase often contrasts with typing or screens: Sometimes you need to work things out pen and paper.

Also *pencil and paper*.

Related

marker pen · writing · longhand · manuscript · parchment · old school · low-tech · ink · fountain pen · note-taking · sketchpad · journal · dear diary · calligraphy · analog · notebook · drawing · doodle

Categories
Opposites
writing/recording technology

pen and paperkeyboard

Array of input keys

computer · laptop · word processor · smartphone · tablet

communication method

pen and paperspoken word

Poetry delivered aloud

oral communication · speech · verbal · face-to-face · telephone

formality and permanence of record

pen and paperverbal agreement

Spoken mutual commitment

handshake deal · oral contract · unwritten · off the record

Family

paper, papers, pens, papered, penned, penning, penmanship, papyrus, papering

Familiarity
Top 20,000
Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated G