Almost every word used in everyday vocabulary has several meanings that are used depending on the context. Some of them are commonly used, while others are strictly encyclopedic or outdated and forgotten by most people.
The main meanings of the word
When figuring out what brands are, you must always consider the situation in which they are mentioned. Currently, this word is associated with the meaning of things. In particular, Ushakov’s dictionary defines it as follows:
- Postal sign confirming payment of a fee for sending a letter or parcel to a certain distance.
- A trademark or brand on a product designed to quickly recognize customers and personalize the manufacturer.
- The name of the currency unit that went at different times throughout Germany, Estonia and Finland. In the Middle Ages in the countries of Europe so-called heavy gold coins weighing up to 8 ounces.
In any language you can find another meaning of the word "brand", which in the XXI century. forgotten. For example, land surveyors XVIII-XIX centuries. so called the next milestone or sign for calculating the area.
Origin and features of postage stamps
Most often, when defining what stamps are, they mean a mark designed to pay fees for sending correspondence. He appeared in Great Britain in the 19th century, when in this country they decided to once and for all eradicate the confusion with the postal service. The idea belongs to Mr. Rowland Hill, who in 1847 turned to the government with a proposal to carry out postal reform and introduce a single tariff for departures throughout the country. After 3 years, namely January 10, 1840, Parliament passed the relevant law and a few months later the first stamp in the world began to circulate in Great Britain - a piece of dark paper with a portrait of Queen Victoria, popularly known as the "black penny".
After only 10 years, almost every country has its own postal signs, and in 1878 the Universal Postal Union was formed. The countries that entered it agreed on uniform tariffs and delivery of correspondence. So, because of a small piece of paper, the distance between people was greatly reduced.
Postage stamps are part of the culture of every country. They are released for commemorative dates or significant events, with their help they “advertise” places and sights, talk about traditional culture, pay tribute to outstanding people - scientists, military heroes, actors. At the end of the XIX century. even a special “language of love” was created, when the location of the stamp on the envelope could become a recognition or a good wish.
In the XXI century. People communicate more often by phone or the Internet. However, government agencies still send out letters, and the number of philatelists (collectors of unusual brands) is only increasing.
Features of trademarks and brands
In everyday use, the word "trademark" is often found . Its definition in this sense sounds like an individual visual expression of the manufacturer of a product. The concept is very broad and may include corporate colors, logos, organization style, trademarks and so on. It is often considered synonymous with the brand. However, the latter does not mean any brand, but only demanded and popular among the consumer. For example, Gucci shoes are a brand, and little-known Krapivinskaya Kalinka shoes are a trademark.
In addition, the word itself can be used to characterize a particular product - wine, cheese, chocolate and so on. As a rule, it is used to emphasize special qualities and exclusivity.
When determining what a brand of goods means, you need to remember that only a registered designation can be considered such. That is, a special permission must be issued for a complex of designations of any product - a patent. This requirement is the same for all countries.
Monetary units
For a long time, telling what brands are, people meant the monetary units of some countries. In particular, in the territory of Germany, which was part of the Holy Roman Empire in the Middle Ages, a large gold coin - mark - went for a long time. In 1870, during the financial reform, it was introduced as a single national currency. In the XX century. the brand was issued in the form of banknotes and coins. After World War II, the country was divided into 2 parts (Germany and East Germany), but the name did not change. German brands left the financial market in 2002, giving way to the euro.
Monetary units were similarly named in Finland (until 2002), Estonia (from 1918 to 1928) and in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Deprecated or Underused Values
The language of mankind is very plastic, and the meaning of some words changes over time. Saying what stamps are, we can mention that in the Middle Ages in European countries this word meant a small nobility (for possession of younger sons), an administrative point on the border, a rural community with common pastures and forests.
In Russia, the so-called signs of land surveyors and surveyors, guiding milestones when paving roads and trays from sellers of small goods traveling in the countryside were called offen.