abbreviation

MSG

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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

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."

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 notes

In 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 ↓

Easily confused with

umami → monosodium glutamate message →

Common pairings

added MSG no MSG MSG-free send a msg

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Test yourself on “MSG” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the Gap

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.

Origin: English

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.