messenger

[ˈmɛsɪndʒər]
nounpl: messengers
mensageiro
1. A person who carries and delivers messages or packages
The messenger delivered the letter to the office this morning.
O mensageiro entregou a carta no escritório esta manhã.
2. A person or thing that carries or conveys something, often symbolically
He was a messenger of hope for the community.
Ele era um mensageiro de esperança para a comunidade.
3. A digital communication application or platform
I sent you a message on Messenger.
Enviei uma mensagem para você no Messenger.
In Brazil, especially São Paulo, the term 'motoboy' (motorcycle messenger) is very common in urban culture and business. In the USA, 'messenger' traditionally referred to office workers or bicycle couriers in cities, but increasingly refers to digital messaging apps like Facebook Messenger. The phrase 'don't kill the messenger' is culturally significant in both American and Brazilian contexts when discussing accountability.
NYC Slang
runner (for someone who makes quick deliveries in the city)
Synonyms / Sinônimos
courierenvoyemissarycarrierheraldrunner
Antonyms / Antônimos
receiverrecipient

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
mensageiro
Standard term for a person who delivers messages or packages
Rio de Janeiro
mensageiro
Same as general Brazilian usage; sometimes informally 'motoboy' for motorcycle couriers
São Paulo
mensageiro / motoboy
Motoboy commonly used for fast delivery couriers on motorcycles
Portugal
mensageiro / carteiro
Carteiro more commonly used for postal delivery; mensageiro for general messengers

Related Words

messagedispatchcommunicationdeliveryerrandambassador

Related Idioms & Phrases

kill the messenger (attack the person delivering bad news instead of addressing the problem)
messenger of death (bringer of bad news or doom)
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