The Medium Is the Message
A message is information sent from one person to another. The most quoted line about messages argues that how they travel changes what they say.
A message is information sent from one party to another. Marshall McLuhan's phrase — the medium is the message — made the point that the channel shapes the content: the same words carry differently in a letter, a text and a broadcast. The word itself comes from Latin *missus*, sent.
- Information sent to someone. *Leave a message.*
- A central idea. *The film's message is simple.*
- A signal or communication. *An error message.*
- Get the message — understand a hint. *He finally got the message.*
Word forms
| Form | Word | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun | message | A short message. |
| Plural | messages | Unread messages. |
| Verb | message | Message me later. |
| Person | messenger | A cycle messenger. |
| Related | messaging | Instant messaging. |
How it is used in a sentence
- She left a message with reception.Leave a message is the standard phrase.
- Message me when you land.The verb, now completely normal.
- Do not shoot the messenger.Blaming the bearer of bad news.
Message words
- Messenger — the person or program carrying it
- Mission — from the same root; something sent out
- Missive — a formal letter
- Emissary — someone sent on a diplomatic errand
- Transmit — send across
From Old French *message*, from Latin *missus*, sent, from *mittere*, to send — the same verb behind *mission*, *admit*, *submit* and *transmit*.
Who said the medium is the message?
Marshall McLuhan, in Understanding Media, published in 1964.
Is *message* acceptable as a verb?
Yes. It has been used as a verb for centuries and is now the ordinary word for sending a text or chat message.