MC
/ˌɛmˈsiː/noun
An abbreviation for master of ceremonies, especially a person who hosts an event or performs as a rapper.
Did you know?In hip-hop, MC originally referred to a master of ceremonies who addressed and energized the audience before evolving into the modern rapper.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*meg-
“Great or powerful; a proposed ancient root connected with Latin magnus and related forms.”
Classical Latin
Latin
magister
“Master, chief, or teacher—literally a person of greater authority.”
Classical Latin
Latin
caerimōnia
“Religious observance, sacred rite, or ceremonial practice.”
16th Century
English
master of ceremonies
“The official responsible for directing a formal gathering or public event.”
20th Century
English
MC
“An abbreviation of master of ceremonies, used for event hosts and later for microphone performers.”
1970s–Modern English
English
MC
“A rapper or lyricist who performs vocally over hip-hop music.”
Explore more surprising origins