Hard line

[Dave Wilton]

> The term "hard copy" means a physical, handleable paper copy of an
> electronic document. In this context plain "copy", as in
> "I'll send you a copy", usually means an electronic copy, e.g.,
> as an email attachment. I haven't heard the expected counterpart
> "soft copy". This could count as a retronym.

I've heard and used "soft copy" on many occasions, not as many as "hard
copy," but often enough that is quite familiar.