Comments on: Misters or Messers?

By: Barry MacDonnell

Barry MacDonnell — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 12:00:07 +0000

‘Messers is the plural of Mister (Misters). So instead of saying Mr Smith, Mr Jones and Mr Wilson, you can say Messers Smith Johnes and Wilson.’

It’s the old French-Normand legacy: nowadays in French you’d say ‘Mes Sires’ (pronounced: ‘may seer’) to address kings and emperors.

By: Massiah

Massiah — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 18:09:53 +0000

Hope it's not too late, but here is my advice.

The plural of Mr. is Messrs. (i.e. Messrs. Black and Blue). The plural of Mrs. is Mmes or Mmes. (with or without the period). When addressing both, in plural, try Messrs. X, Y, Z and Mmes. V & W.

By: David L

David L — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 08:52:49 +0000

When addressing a formal letter to both men and women from various professions is it correct to say “Dear Messrs. and Mssrs.”? It looks and sounds a bit strange to me. Maybe “Dear Ladies and Gentlemen” would be more appropriate?

By: Meryl

Meryl — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 14:23:24 +0000

I recommend using a different approach such as “Dear Medical Staff” or “Dear IT Professionals.” Here’s more info on addressing letters from OWL.

I have not been able to find a word that represents both men and women. Messrs is strictly men.

By: leka sunder

leka sunder — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 07:39:23 +0000

What is appropriate if the letter is addressed the both males and females? Can I still use messrs?

By: David

David — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 00:26:43 +0000

Sorry, but messers are people who make a mess. Messrs. is plural for Mr.

refer to: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/messrs

By: Shawn

Shawn — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 21:50:51 +0000

Captain Grammar (Ben),

Try to avoid talking about Flowing Mistresses.

By: Jimmy

Jimmy — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 13:41:15 +0000

What if I should say in concluding:

(1) I am, dear messers, yours most sincerely, Jimmy

OR should I write: (2) I am, dear sirs, yours most sincerely Jimmy

Which of (1) or (2) is more correct?

By: Dorian Gray

Dorian Gray — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 20:02:01 +0000

First of all, I think the correct spelling is Messrs, not Messers. Also, since Messrs is an abreviation of Messieurs, just like any other abbreviation, it should end with a period.

So correct way of writing: Messrs.

Please let me know if I off my rocks, and I will go fly a kite. But please do teach me.

Thanks Dorian Gray Attic

By: Jason Reddish

Jason Reddish — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 18:50:06 +0000

Don’t forget the title “Master”, which is used to indicate a minor male. I believe Masters can be used to address multiple minor males.