Bcc vs. Cc — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Published on October 5, 2023
Bcc stands for "Blind Carbon Copy," hiding recipient's email from others, while Cc means "Carbon Copy," displaying all recipients' emails.
Difference Between Bcc and Cc
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Bcc, or Blind Carbon Copy, and Cc, or Carbon Copy, are two functionalities utilized in email correspondence, but they serve distinct purposes.
When using Bcc, the email recipients' addresses are hidden from all other recipients. In contrast, Cc displays the email addresses of everyone in the Cc field to all recipients.
Both Bcc and Cc allow the sender to send the email to multiple parties, but the key difference lies in the visibility of the recipients' addresses. While Cc is often used to keep multiple parties in the loop, informing them about the email's content, Bcc provides an added layer of privacy, ensuring that recipients remain unaware of who else has received the email.
Understanding the distinction between Bcc and Cc is essential for maintaining professionalism and confidentiality in email communications.
Comparison Chart
Visibility
Recipient's email is hidden from others
Recipient's email is visible to all
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Main Use
For confidentiality
To keep others informed
Recipient Awareness
Unaware of other Bcc recipients
Aware of other Cc recipients
Origin
Stands for "Blind Carbon Copy"
Stands for "Carbon Copy"
Usage Consideration
Used when privacy is essential
Used when transparency is necessary
Compare with Definitions
Bcc
Provides email privacy by concealing addresses.
I used Bcc to send the surprise party invitations.
Cc
Stands for "Carbon Copy."
Always use Cc to include teammates on updates.
Bcc
Stands for "Blind Carbon Copy."
Always use Bcc when sending emails to a large group.
Cc
An email feature displaying recipient's addresses.
I added him to the Cc so he stays informed.
Bcc
An email feature hiding recipient's addresses.
I added her to the Bcc to keep her email private.
Cc
Used to keep multiple parties updated.
I'll Cc you on the email to the client.
Bcc
Ensures recipients are unaware of others on the list.
I placed the vendors in the Bcc field for discretion.
Cc
Email function promoting transparency.
For team projects, it's good to Cc all members.
Bcc
Email function promoting confidentiality.
Sensitive information? Use Bcc.
Cc
A carbon copy of a document.
Bcc
Initialism of blind carbon copy
Cc
To send (someone) a carbon copy of a document.
Bcc
Initialism of body-centered cubic
Cc
Initialism of carbon copy
Bcc
To send something by blind carbon copy.
Cc
Initialism of closed caption
Cc
Initialism of courtesy copy
Cc
Initialism of cubic centimeter
Cc
Abbreviation of chapters
Cc
Init of carbon copy
Cc
Init of crowd control
Just cc him, bro.
Cc
A metric unit of volume equal to one thousandth of a liter
Cc
Being ten more than one hundred ninety
Cc
Makes all recipients aware of others in the loop.
I placed the managers in the Cc field for transparency.
Common Curiosities
What is the main purpose of Cc?
Cc, or Carbon Copy, is used to keep multiple parties informed and shows all recipients' addresses.
What does Bcc stand for?
Bcc stands for "Blind Carbon Copy."
Why might one use Bcc instead of Cc?
Bcc is used for privacy, ensuring recipients don't see who else received the email.
Can Cc recipients see Bcc recipients?
No, Cc recipients cannot see Bcc recipients.
Which is more private, Bcc or Cc?
Bcc is more private as it hides recipients' addresses from each other.
Is it possible to send an email with only Bcc recipients?
Yes, an email can be sent with only Bcc recipients and no addresses in the "To" or "Cc" fields.
Can Bcc recipients see Cc recipients?
Yes, Bcc recipients can see the addresses of Cc recipients but not other Bcc recipients.
Is it considered good etiquette to use Bcc frequently?
Bcc should be used judiciously, primarily when privacy or confidentiality is crucial.
Are there alternatives to using Bcc for email privacy?
Yes, using mailing lists or group email addresses can be alternatives to Bcc for ensuring email privacy.
Can Bcc be used to prevent email spam?
Yes, using Bcc when emailing a group prevents recipients from seeing other addresses, reducing the risk of spreading email addresses inadvertently.
Are there any risks associated with overusing Cc?
Overusing Cc can lead to "email overload" for recipients and could also disclose email addresses without permission.
In which situations is it most appropriate to use Cc?
Cc is appropriate when transparency is desired, and all recipients are okay with others seeing their addresses.
How do I know if I've been added as a Bcc recipient?
Typically, you won't be able to tell unless the sender indicates it or if you don't see your address in the "To" or "Cc" fields.
Can using Bcc be seen as sneaky or deceptive?
If used improperly, some might perceive Bcc as sneaky since recipients aren't aware of everyone receiving the email. Proper communication can mitigate this perception.
How did the terms "Bcc" and "Cc" originate?
They come from the days of paper memos; "carbon copy" referred to the paper copy made using carbon paper, and "blind" indicated no visibility.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
