The History Of The Phrase "My Word Is My Bond"

Me: These powerful words rarely have been taken lightly since their biblical origin. Merchant traders dating back to the late-1500s. the words are "my word is my bond". what is the original source or earliest you can find

Google Gemini:

You're right, "my word is my bond" carries significant weight! Here's what I've found about its origins:

Early Usage: The concept of one's word being a binding commitment has deep historical roots. While pinpointing the very first instance is difficult, the idea appears in various forms in older literature and legal thought.

Shakespearean Era: Traces of the sentiment can be found in English literature dating back to Shakespeare's time. This indicates the phrase, or at least the underlying principle, was in circulation several centuries ago.

17th Century: A more concrete reference appears in J. Ray's "English Proverbs" (1670) as "An honest man's word is as good as his bond." This shows the phrase evolving and solidifying its meaning around that period.

London Stock Exchange: The Latin equivalent, "Dictum Meum Pactum," has been the motto of the London Stock Exchange since 1801. This highlights the phrase's importance in financial dealings and trust.

Merchant Traders: As you mentioned, merchant traders from the late 1500s onward heavily relied on this principle. In times when transactions were often cross-border and legal systems varied, a trader's reputation and word were crucial.

In essence, the phrase conveys that a person's promise is as binding as a formal, written contract. It emphasizes integrity, trustworthiness, and the importance of honoring commitments. (*me: If only for a moment.)

Me after a game: I noticed a fun factoid.  I simply stated "good game" when I was watching someone else.  It didn't come from habit, societal pressure, or peer pressure.  Even though I lost, I feel like I used the expression "good game" instead of just speaking the words.