What does chain letter mean?
Definitions for chain letter
cha·in let·ter
This dictionary definitions page includes all the possible meanings, example usage and translations of the word chain letter.
Princeton's WordNet
chain letternoun
a letter that is sent successively to several people
Wiktionary
chain letternoun
A letter that is mailed successively to different recipients, with each recipient being instructed in the body of the letter to mail the letter to another person or persons.
Wikipedia
Chain letter
A chain letter is a message that attempts to convince the recipient to make a number of copies and pass them on to a certain number of recipients. The "chain" is an exponentially growing pyramid (a tree graph) that cannot be sustained indefinitely. Common methods used in chain letters include emotionally manipulative stories, get-rich-quick pyramid schemes, and the exploitation of superstition to threaten the recipient. Originally, chain letters were letters sent by mail; today, chain letters are often sent electronically via email, social network sites, and text messages.
ChatGPT
chain letter
A chain letter is a communication message that endeavours to convince the recipient to make a number of copies of the letter and then pass them on to a certain number of recipients. The message could be in various formats like written letters, emails, or social media messages and they often contain various promises, warnings, or stories. Some chain letters may even demand money or other items of value, often promising immense returns in exchange.
Wikidata
Chain letter
A typical chain letter consists of a message that attempts to convince the recipient to make a number of copies of the letter and then pass them on to as many recipients as possible. Common methods used in chain letters include emotionally manipulative stories, get-rich-quickly pyramid schemes, and the exploitation of superstition to threaten the recipient with bad luck or even physical violence or death if he or she "breaks the chain" and refuses to adhere to the conditions set out in the letter. Chain letters started as actual letters that one received in the mail. Today, chain letters are generally no longer actual letters. They are sent through email messages, postings on social network sites, and text messages. There are two main types of chain letters: ⁕Hoaxes - Hoaxes attempt to trick or defraud users. A hoax could be malicious, instructing users to delete a file necessary to the operating system by claiming it is a virus. It could also be a scam that convinces users to send money or personal information. Phishing attacks could fall into this. ⁕Urban legends - Urban legends are designed to be redistributed and usually warn users of a threat or claim to be notifying them of important or urgent information. Another common form are the emails that promise users monetary rewards for forwarding the message or suggest that they are signing something that will be submitted to a particular group. Urban legends usually have no negative effect aside from wasted time.
Matched Categories
Numerology
Chaldean Numerology
The numerical value of chain letter in Chaldean Numerology is: 2
Pythagorean Numerology
The numerical value of chain letter in Pythagorean Numerology is: 7
Translations for chain letter
From our Multilingual Translation Dictionary
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"chain letter." Definitions.net. STANDS4 LLC, 2025. Web. 10 Feb. 2025. <https://www.definitions.net/definition/chain+letter>.
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