A phrase from historical newspaper personal ads, explained with real examples from the archive.
A warning that only serious replies were wanted: no one looking to flirt, play games or waste the writer's time.
| Type | Historical phrase |
|---|---|
| Earliest example in the archive | October 19, 1908, Salt Lake Tribune |
| Most common | 1860s to the 1910s |
A trifler was someone who toyed with affections. The phrase usually followed object matrimony, as in no trifler need apply or no triflers need answer, and it appears in ads by both men and women. It was the nineteenth-century way of saying serious inquiries only.
Sources: Merriam-Webster, trifler.
A WIDOW LADY, STRANGER IN city, well educated, some means, would like to meet a gentleman not over 45; object matrimony; no triflers need answer. Address E-50, Tribune.
A gentleman of 40 in moderate circumstances, wishes to get acquainted with lady, object matrimony. No trifler need apply. Address J. A. P., this office.
The modern equivalents are serious only, no time-wasters, and not here for games.
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