What does mag mean?
“Mag” is an informal abbreviation for “magazine.” It refers to a periodical publication containing articles, photographs, reviews, interviews, advertisements, or material focused on a particular subject, such as fashion, entertainment, gardening, or technology. The word is common in everyday conversation and often conveys a casual, familiar tone. People may say that they are “reading a mag” or that a story appeared in a “fashion mag” or “music mag.” Although “magazine” is the full, standard term and is usually preferable in formal contexts, “mag” is useful because it is shorter and more conversational. It can also refer more broadly to a publication in contexts where the informal character of the expression is appropriate. The word is not normally used for academic or official journals, which are more precisely called journals or periodicals.
nounAn informal short form of “magazine,” especially for a periodical featuring articles, photographs, reviews, or lifestyle content.
- An informal short form of “magazine,” especially a periodical containing articles, photographs, reviews, or lifestyle features.
"She was reading a mag in the waiting room."
"I picked up a mag while waiting at the dentist."
"The film received an enthusiastic review in the entertainment mag."
The standard plural of the informal noun is “mags.”
"She bought several mags at the newsstand."
A “mag” is the everyday shorthand for a magazine: shorter, quicker, and instantly recognizable.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does mag come from?
“Mag” developed as an informal clipping of “magazine.” The abbreviated form has been in use since the late nineteenth century, alongside other familiar shortenings such as “mag” for “magazine” in everyday speech. “Magazine” itself entered English through French, ultimately deriving from a word meaning a store or warehouse and later referring to a periodical publication.
How mag is actually used
Informal and especially common in British and American speech; “magazine” is preferred in formal writing.
Easily confused with mag
“Mag” is the informal abbreviated form of “magazine,” while “magazine” is the full standard word.