Message or Messege: If you’ve ever stopped mid-sentence to stare at the word “message,” you aren’t alone. It’s one of those words that looks like it should be spelled phonetically (like “mess-edge”), but English rarely makes it that easy.
Here is the direct answer you are looking for: The correct spelling is “Message.”
There is no such word as “messege.” If you are typing that, your spell-checker is likely lighting up red for a good reason.
Why You Keep Typing “Messege” (And Why It’s Not Your Fault)
If you find yourself consistently typing “messege,” it isn’t because you aren’t a good speller—it’s because your brain is trying to make sense of a chaotic language.
The Phonetic Trap
English is notorious for ignoring phonetics (how a word sounds). In “message,” the “a” makes an “eh” sound (like in cat or bed). Because the first syllable sounds exactly like the word “mess,” your brain defaults to the simplest spelling: M-E-S-S.
The Latin Roots
The word comes from the Old French message and the Latin missaticum (meaning “a sending”). Because it traces back to missus (sent), there is a historical tug-of-war between the “i” sounds and “e” sounds that evolved into the modern English spelling.
The “Message” vs. “Messege” Breakdown
For quick reference, here is the only version that belongs in your emails, texts, or professional documents.
| Term | Status | Usage Context |
| Message | Correct | Used for communication, notes, or digital alerts. |
| Messege | Incorrect | A common typo. Avoid at all costs. |
3 Ways to Remember the Correct Spelling
Mnemonics are the best way to bypass the “phonetic trap.” Pick one that sticks:
- The “A” Advantage: “A mEssAge needs an A.” It’s the easiest way to bridge that “eh” sound gap. If you aren’t using an “A,” you aren’t writing a message.
- The “Messenger” Link: Think of a Messenger (like the app). Both “Messenger” and “Message” start with “Mess-” but the second half of the word always requires that “a.”
- The Professional Rule: If you are ever unsure, remember that “Messege” looks unprofessional in a business context. The “A” in “Message” stands for “Authoritative.”
Frequently Asked Questions
We noticed that most guides stop at “it’s a typo.” But there are deeper nuances to this mistake that affect how you communicate online.
1. Does “Messege” have any meaning in other languages?
No. While it might look like it could be a word in Germanic languages due to the “mess” prefix, it is strictly an error in English.
2. Why does my phone autocorrect “message” to “messege”?
If your phone is autocorrecting to the wrong spelling, you likely accidentally added the misspelling to your personal dictionary once upon a time. To fix this:
- iOS: Go to Settings > General > Keyboard > Text Replacement. Look for “messege” and delete the entry.
- Android: Go to Settings > Languages & Input > Personal Dictionary and remove the entry.
3. How do I spell “messaging”?
The same rule applies. It is messaging (two S’s, no E after the S). It is derived from the base word “message.” If you drop the “e” at the end of “message” to add “-ing,” you keep the “a” that was already there.
4. Is the typo “messege” looked down upon?
In casual texting, people will know what you mean. However, in professional settings—especially in B2B emails, cover letters, or CVs—consistently spelling it “messege” can signal a lack of attention to detail. Since “message” is a high-frequency word, it’s one of the first things a hiring manager or client will notice.
The Bottom Line
English spelling is weird, and the word “message” is a perfect example of why. It ignores the “eh” sound you hear and demands an “a.”
Next time you start typing, just remember: A message has an A. Once you lock that in, you’ll never have to second-guess it again.
