A phrase from historical newspaper personal ads, explained with real examples from the archive.
The standard polite phrase for wanting to meet someone, used in ads written by both men and women.
| Type | Historical phrase |
|---|---|
| Earliest example in the archive | March 10, 1878, Chicago Daily Tribune |
| Most common | 1850s to the 1920s |
Acquaintance was the respectable word. It committed to nothing, and it could be dressed up (form the acquaintance), shortened (wishes acquaintance of lady) or turned frank, as in the 1878 Chicago ad from a lady of 40 who desired the acquaintance of a few gentlemen.
PERSONAL—A LADY OF 40 DESIRES THE ACquaintance of a few gentlemen over that age. Address X 58, Tribune office.
PERSONAL—A YOUNG MAN WITH a good business wishes to form the acquaintance of some lady with some means; object matrimony. Please address, in confidence, B 85, Tribune…
A GENTLEMAN, 32, fairly good looking, good dresser and fond of good time, desires to form the acquaintance of an attractive brunette, not over 25. Must be stylish.…
WIDOWER of 45 wishes acquaintance of lady with view to matrimony. Box 210 Tribune.
I WANT the acquaintance of a young lady for a young gentleman friend of mine. She should be about 22—23 years of age, rather pretty, of medium height, well educated (may…
INTELLIGENT YOUNG LADY, 25 years of age, brunette, taller than medium height, considered attractive, both in personality and appearance, refined and musical, would like…
PRETTY, intelligent American girl 22, from wealthy parentage, seeks acquaintance with young good-looking professional man, brunette, from orhtodox parentage. From New…
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