What is the difference between a brief and a memo?

A brief is actually poorly named, as it’s usually not brief at all. It outlines all of the relevant issues and cites sources. A memo is much shorter and typically deals with a single issue.

Brief Memo

A brief is an instruction and a memo is a reminder.

A brief is usually a detailed piece of information for certain persons only.

Come on, we all know what a memo is; crap, we know what briefs are too.

Briefs: Men’s undergarments

Memo: Something that Corporate sends you that you can make in to a paper airplane