Dictionary definition of “steal-me flag”

steal-me flag

n. an upright mailbox flag, which indicates there is mail for pick-up but is also considered a signal to mail thieves. Subjects: English, Slang

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Citations: [1994 [Chuck D'Ambra] Usenet: rec.collecting.coins (Oct. 26) “Re: Shipping coins”: Since the blue insurance label is a “steal me” flag…you’ll want to take steps to defeat the common scams. Postal crooks like to steal mail by placing their own address label over yours.] 2001 Usenet: comp.sys.apple2.marketplace (Oct. 17) “Re: Shipping Tips”: Mail it from the post office, do not leave stuff in your mailbox with the steal-me flag up. 2002 Rhonda Sciarra Chicago Daily Herald (Illinois) (Aug. 12) “How you can help stop ‘check washers’” p. 1: It’s called the “steal-me flag.” Before the little red flag on your curbside mailbox alerts postal carriers of outgoing mail, it sends a clear message to thieves. 2006 John Ellis @ Fresno Daily Review (Pleasanton, California) (Feb. 21) “Postal official: Thieves give mail high priority”: If the red flag was up—a sign of outgoing mail for the postal carrier—all the better. Postal officials refer to it as the “red steal-me flag.”

Posted 28 Feb 06 | Permalink | Tell a Friend

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