Messmate - Definition, Meaning, and Examples in English

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

informal friendship

A messmate refers to a person with whom one shares a meal, particularly in a military or naval context. This term is commonly used to describe fellow service members who dine together, sharing not only food but also camaraderie and experiences. The relationship often emphasizes trust and companionship built through shared duties and responsibilities during service. Although originally tied to military life, it can also apply to informally shared dining experiences among friends.

Synonyms

buddy, companion, comrade.

Examples of usage

During deployment, my messmates became like family.
The sailors gathered together with their messmates for dinner.
Sharing stories with my messmates made the long nights more enjoyable.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

In military slang, a 'messmate' is vital for building teamwork and relationships among service members.
Shared meals have historically been a way to bond, with 'messmates' often developing strong friendships that can last a lifetime.
In some cultures, dining together is a ritual that symbolizes unity and trust, making the role of a messmate significant.

Literature

Many novels and stories depict characters forming friendships over shared meals, emphasizing the importance of the messmate relationship.
Classic war literature often includes references to messmates banding together to survive the rigors of military life.
The camaraderie found in messmate friendships is a common theme in works about naval adventures and military life.

Psychology

Dining with others can enhance feelings of belonging and reduce loneliness, making the role of messmates crucial for mental health.
The act of sharing food is tied to social bonding, as it activates feelings of trust and cooperation among individuals.
Studies have shown that shared meals can lead to improved communication and stronger social networks.

Pop Culture

Movies and shows depicting military life often feature scenes in mess halls to portray camaraderie among messmates.
In popular music, songs about friendship sometimes reference shared meals or the bonds forged in 'mess' environments.
TV series that feature communal living scenarios often focus on the relationships formed through shared dining experiences.

Origin of 'messmate'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the combination of 'mess', meaning a group of people eating together, and 'mate', which refers to a friend or companion.
Previously used in English naval settings, where sailors would share meals together, fostering camaraderie.
The term became popular in the 19th century, reflecting the social aspects of shared meals in military and ship life.

The word 'messmate' has its roots in the early 19th century, deriving from the combination of 'mess', which originally referred to a meal or a group of people who eat together, and 'mate', denoting a companion or friend. The term 'mess' comes from the Old French 'messe', which means 'meal' or 'half a dish', while 'mate' hails from Middle English 'mat', meaning companion or associate. In the military and naval contexts, 'messmate' became a common colloquial term to refer to someone with whom one shares meals in the mess hall. Over time, the usage expanded beyond the military to encompass a broader sense of friendship and shared experiences during meals, reflecting the bond that can form through shared sustenance and companionship.

Messmate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations