Going to the shop for the messages or the few messages

[bocketyaulbag]

This makes perfect sense in Ireland but I've heard it can be used in Scotland and maybe even the north of England?

North East England, used in 70s by grandparents, not heard since

Absolutely in the NE of Scotland-going for the messages would mean popping to the shops for a few bits. Not sure how much it is still in use, but one my grandparents used for sure, and so I grew up with it.

I'm originally from the North of England and had never heard the expression but when i moved to Scotland Going for the Messages was one of the very common everyday expressions I was introduced to.

I didn't know it was used in Ireland as well OP. That's interesting.

Not used in the south west of England, but I'm married to a Scot so I know that it means to go shopping. He says going for the messages.

I say I'm going for the messages and I left Scotland many years ago. Don't understand the bit about "the few messages".

I’m of Irish descent but I only know it from Roddy Doyle books.

Yes very common in Scotland, I never knew it was said in Ireland too!

Going for the messages used by my parents 70s Ne Scotland.
Don't hear it very often now.

I've picked up 'going to get the messages' from my Irish in-laws. Never heard it in northern England where I grew up.

My Granny (Greenock all her life) always said she was ‘away for her messages’.

I have vaguely heard of it and could guess what it means but does anyone know why? I mean you aren't really going for any messages, are you?

Irish here and no longer used much now.

You can go for "a few messages" if you are just getting a few things. Not always "the messages".

Growing up in 70s Scotland we always said we were going for the messages.
I wouldn't say it's used as much nowadays - more likely to say going to Tescos or Lidls

Agree. Like so many things it's dying out due to TV and social media.

The messages.
Cannot recall if my Scottish FIL said a few as well, or just the.

I’m from Edinburgh. I heard older people say it when I was wee. Not heard it for a long time though.

"Just popping up into town for some messages" was a phrase used frequently by my late father when I lived in Northern Ireland. We all used to say it as a fun phrase when staying with my mum after he died.

I'm in Northern Ireland, very familiar phrase. Still reasonably common

We still go for the messages in Fife.

Not used in the North West of England. Growing up Mum would say she was “ doing some errands” if going to the shops.

I’m glad to hear it!
Im from Fife, but moved away 40 years ago. Good to know “the messages” is still in use!

Does anyone know what is the origin of this term? If you use it, what does "messages" mean in your head, i.e. how does it translate into something like buying groceries?

Irish here (not living in Ireland) and I would still tend to go into town to “do a few messages”. My granny used to send us up to the grocers to “get the messages” on account though. In my head these days, messages are various errands, but I think they probably originally referred just to groceries.

Never heard it down here in the Home Counties.