abbreviation
MSG
em-ess-JEE
MSG (abbreviation) means Monosodium glutamate, a white crystalline salt added to food to deepen its savoury flavour. Example: “A pinch of MSG lifts the whole broth.”
abbreviation
1
Monosodium glutamate, a white crystalline salt added to food to deepen its savoury flavour.
"A pinch of MSG lifts the whole broth."
"The packet says it contains no added MSG."
2
Message, especially in texting, chat and computing.
"Send me a msg when you land."
"The error log printed a msg field with no content."
How to use MSG
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA seasoning that makes food taste more savoury, or short for message.
When to use it
Capital MSG usually means the food additive; lower case msg is informal shorthand for message.
Memory tip
Context does the work: on a food label it is the additive, in a chat window it is a message.
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
added MSG
no MSG
MSG-free
send a msg
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Can you complete this real example?
A pinch of _____ lifts the whole broth.
Etymology
In the food sense, an initialism of monosodium glutamate; in the messaging sense, a written shortening of message.
Frequently asked questions
Is MSG bad for you?
Major food safety bodies, including the FDA and the European Food Safety Authority, regard MSG as safe at normal levels of consumption. Controlled studies have not confirmed the cluster of symptoms once blamed on it, though a small number of people report short-lived reactions to large doses.
What foods naturally contain MSG?
Glutamate occurs naturally in tomatoes, parmesan, mushrooms, soy sauce, seaweed and cured meats. Chemically the body does not distinguish it from the added form.
What does umami mean?
Umami is the savoury fifth basic taste, alongside sweet, sour, salty and bitter. MSG is the clearest example of it, which is why it is added to stocks, snacks and sauces.
What is the meaning of MSG?
"MSG" (abbreviation) means monosodium glutamate, a white crystalline salt added to food to deepen its savoury flavour.
