memo

Where does the word "memo" come from? It comes from Latin memorandum, passing through English before entering English (1700s).

Memo’s story begins in Latin: memorandum meant “to be remembered.” 'a thing to be remembered', from 'memorāre', to bring to mind. By 1400s, the word had taken hold in English as memorandum. Clerks and merchants headed their notes 'memorandum', be it remembered. It reached English by 1700s as memo. Clipped from 'memorandum'; the office memo became standard in 1900s business. Today, memo means a short written message, especially within an organization.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient memorandum "to be remembered", 'a thing to be remembered', from 'memorāre', to bring to mind.
2. Stage 2 · English · 1400s memorandum "note to remember", clerks and merchants headed their notes 'memorandum', be it remembered.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1700s memo "short note", clipped from 'memorandum'; the office memo became standard in 1900s business.