The origin of 'going for messages'?

[ArgyllYankee]

Wondering if someone can tell me the origins of this. For those who don't know, it's used (more by older people I think) to refer to going to buy groceries or other shopping or errands.

Ta

[McDink]

Originally Posted by ArgyllYankee

Wondering if someone can tell me the origins of this. For those who don't know, it's used (more by older people I think) to refer to going to buy groceries or other shopping or errands.

Ta

Hi ArgyllYankee,

For as long as I can remember, my mother has used the term "are you going for the messages"?

My speculative take on it, is that it's an old term used in the pre-supermarket/post office/corner shop days and was used in reference for folk who were sent out on an errand to the get the grocieries from the nearest town plus collect any post/local gossip/messages?

[Scottish_Republican]

I'd buy the post office explanation.

[bell-the-cat]

Originally Posted by McDink

Hi ArgyllYankee,

My speculative take on it, is that it's an old term used in the pre-supermarket/post office/corner shop days and was used in reference for folk who were sent out on an errand to the get the grocieries from the nearest town plus collect any post/local gossip/messages?

Or it could be something to do with making a list (a "message") of all the things that are to be bought on a trip to the shops.

Until relatively recent days, say the 1930s, most people would buy their daily needs from street traders who would sell small quantities of everyday things (milk, bread, cheese, etc) to you at your doorstep.
Actually going out to purchase foodstuffs, etc., from shops would be a more unusual event and something special enough for you to have to prepare a list in advance.

[McDink]

Originally Posted by bell-the-cat

Or it could be something to do with making a list (a "message") of all the things that are to be bought on a trip to the shops.

SOUNDS plausible.

[bell-the-cat]

I suggest we both ask our mothers and see what they have to say.

Though I suspect they will just say that they use it because their mothers used it.

[Polwarth]

That's what I'd say, too!