A phrase from historical newspaper personal ads, explained with real examples from the archive.
A promise that replies would be kept private: address, in confidence, or all answers strictly confidential.
| Type | Historical language |
|---|---|
| Category | Formula |
| Earliest example in the archive | July 5, 1875, The Age (Melbourne) |
| Most common | 1850s to the 1920s |
Placing a personal ad carried a social risk, and replying to one could carry more. In confidence reassured readers that their letters would not be shown to anyone, and a reply box let the writer keep the same promise.
MATRIMONY.—A TRADESMAN, in a pleasant part of London, wishes to meet with a PARTNER for LIFE. A handsome face is not so much his wish as an agreeable, prudent Person; a…
…N.B.—The strictest confidence is of course guaranteed to correspondents.
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…
RESPECTABLE WIDOW LADY wishes to correspond with GENTLEMAN, age about 48, with view to MATRIMONY. Strictly confidential. Address “Nellie,” P.O., Port Adelaide.
WELL educated and refined widow musically inclined and alone, desires the companionship of refined gentleman of means; object matrimony. All replies will be treated in a…
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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
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