Mess
/mɛs/noun
A heap of disordered or dirty things; a situation that is confused or difficult.
Did you know?In medieval English, a mess was originally a portion of food served at one table, and the modern “mess” for disorder likely developed through the idea of a mixed-up heap.
Etymological Timeline
Old French
OF
mes
“A dish or portion of food”
Late Latin
LL
missum
“Something sent; a course of food sent to the table”
Latin
L
missus
“Sent, dispatched”
Middle English
ME
messe
“A serving or portion of food at a meal”
14th-16th Century
English
mess
“A serving of food; later, a disorderly mixture or untidy state”
Modern English
English
mess
“A state of confusion, dirt, or disorder”