mo

Everyday

1. (informal, UK) «A mo» means a moment, a very short time: «half a mo», «wait a mo». tree →
2. (Australia, New Zealand, informal) A mo is a moustache; «Movember» is a November charity month when men grow moustaches. tree →
3. (a name) Mo is a short name, for example for Mohammed, Maureen or Morris. tree →
4. (abbreviation) «mo.» means month; «MO» can mean «modus operandi», a way of doing something, or a medical officer. tree →
5. In some dialects, mo is a short way of saying more. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday British, Irish, Australian and New Zealand talk, «just a mo» is a common way of asking someone to wait. In Australia and New Zealand, «mo» is the everyday word for moustache. In sport, Mo Farah is a famous British runner and Mo Salah a famous footballer. In maths tables «mo.» can be short for months.

Examples

• «Half a mo, I'm just getting my coat», said Mum. tree →
• Wait a mo — I've forgotten my lunch! tree →
• Dad grew a mo for charity. tree →
• Mo Farah won lots of running races. tree →
• My friend Mo is captain of the football team. tree →
• The phone plan costs ten pounds per mo. tree →
• «He's got a big bushy mo», said Grandpa. tree →
• I won't never do so no mo'! tree →

Note

Informal; in writing use «moment», «moustache» or «month». Plural «mos» (moustaches). Capital M for a name. Do not confuse with «mow» (cut grass) or «more».