A phrase from historical newspaper personal ads, explained with real examples from the archive.
The writer has recently arrived and knows almost no one.
| Type | Historical language |
|---|---|
| Category | Description |
| Earliest example in the archive | October 19, 1908, Salt Lake Tribune |
| Most common | 1880s to the 1920s |
Personal columns were one of the few ways a newcomer could meet anyone, and stranger in city was a common opening. It told readers why the writer was advertising at all. A 1908 Salt Lake City widow uses it, along with well educated and some means.
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.
Today the equivalent is new in town, or just moved here.
Know a term we are missing? Suggest one.
How this fits into 170 years of personal ad shorthand: From Object Matrimony to LTR: How Personal Ads Learned to Talk in Code.
All dictionary entries · The Personals Archive · How to write a personal ad
The form is still open. Say who you are, what you want, and who it is for, and choose exactly who can see it. Free on iOS and Android.