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 language |
|---|---|
| Category | Formula |
| Earliest example in the archive | April 1, 1900, Aspen Daily Times (Colorado) |
| 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 young and handsome widow of education and refinement, possessed of a small fortune, and a stranger in the city, wishes to correspond with a gentleman of some means. No…
A lady would like to correspond with a middle-aged gentleman, object matrimony. No triflers need apply. A miner preferred. Address 1144, Times office.
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.
WANTED—A true companion and chum, from 48 to 60 years old. She must be a lady of a loving disposition. Object matrimony; no fooling. Box 48X, Republican.
The modern equivalents are serious only, no time-wasters, and not here for games.
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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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