If you've ever said "I don't need another notebook" while putting another notebook in your basket, this article is for you. Lovers of beautiful stationery have our own language: technical words that sound very serious and that, underneath, mean things only someone who has lingered a minute too long in front of a pen display will understand.
We've gathered 14 terms, listed alphabetically as befits a respectable dictionary, with their real definition and their emotional translation. Spoiler: the second one is the one that matters.
The dictionary
Bullet journal (n., or "bujo" among friends)
Real definition: an organisation system created by designer Ryder Carroll that combines planner, to-do list and diary in a single notebook, usually dotted.
Emotional translation: "This time I really am going to get organised... but first let me decide on the font for the headings."
See the bullet journal corner →
Folder (n.)
Real definition: a container to keep papers sorted and safe from creases.
Emotional translation: irrefutable proof that one day you will file everything. In the meantime, they look lovely empty.
Spare notebook (noun phrase, our own invention)
Real definition: it's not in any dictionary, but we all have one: the notebook you buy "just in case" even though you already have another one half-filled.
Emotional translation: "It's not hoarding, it's foresight."
Pencil case (n.)
Real definition: a case for keeping pens, pencils and small writing tools.
Emotional translation: its size is always inversely proportional to what you end up putting inside. And it still zips, out of pure faith.
Ghosting (in stationery)
Real definition: when the ink shows through and can be seen from the other side of the page.
Emotional translation: not even the page behind knows how to keep a secret.
Paper weight (GSM) (n.)
Real definition: the weight of paper expressed in grams per square metre (g/m²). The higher the weight, the thicker the paper and, generally, the better it holds ink without showing through.
Emotional translation: the number you discover one day and can't stop looking for in every notebook. Welcome to the dark side (beautifully bound).
HB pencil (n.)
Real definition: the H stands for "hard" and the B for "black" (for the darkness of the line). The HB sits right in the middle: neither too hard nor too soft.
Emotional translation: the pencil nobody talks about but that always ends up at the bottom of the pencil case. It deserves more love.
See pencils and mechanical pencils →
Lettering (n.)
Real definition: the art of drawing letters, one by one, as if they were illustration. It's not the same as calligraphy, which is written in one continuous stroke.
Emotional translation: the perfect excuse to spend forty minutes writing three words on a greeting card.
Reed diffuser (n.)
Real definition: a fragrance diffuser with porous reeds that releases scent little by little, with no flame or electricity.
Emotional translation: the candle for people who forget to blow out the candle.
See scented candles and reed diffusers →
Sticky notes (n. pl.)
Real definition: little pieces of paper with a sticky strip that peel off without leaving a trace.
Emotional translation: small reminders that end up stuck on your computer screen, on the fridge and, with bad luck, on your forehead.
Stickers (n. pl.)
Real definition: decorative adhesives for personalising notebooks, planners and almost any flat surface.
Emotional translation: the small purchase that justifies itself ("they're so cheap"). Three orders later, you have an album.
Just looking (verb phrase)
Real definition: a phrase uttered in a stationery shop to describe the situation immediately before leaving with a bag.
Emotional translation: the number one white lie in this dictionary.
See what's new (at your own risk) →
Desk candle (n.)
Real definition: a scented candle lit while you work or study to create atmosphere. A serious note, because we care about you: never leave it burning unattended and put it out when you finish.
Emotional translation: a three-second ritual that turns "I have to work" into "I'm going to enjoy working."
Washi tape (n.)
Real definition: decorative paper adhesive tape from Japan ("washi" is the name of traditional Japanese paper). It can usually be peeled off and repositioned, and it's perfect for decorating pages, envelopes and gifts.
Emotional translation: you bought one to decorate your planner. Now you have twenty and you've decorated even the TV remote.
How many did you know?
- 0 to 5: "just looking" level. You still have time (we don't recommend it).
- 6 to 10: regular level. You have a spare pencil case and you know it.
- 11 to 14: expert level. You could write the next dictionary yourself.
Did we miss an essential word? Tell us yours on Instagram (@billy_paper_): we'd love to expand the dictionary.
And if this has made you want to pop into the shop (we don't judge), you'll find the whole catalogue in stationery.
