Trade-Last
[TRAYD-last]
Part of speech: noun
Origin: American English, 19th century
A compliment from a third person that is relayed to the person complimented in exchange for a similarly relayed compliment.
Examples of trade-last in a sentence
"Tom told me Sarah loved my haircut, so, as a trade-last, I told him Carnie said he was handsome."
"I don’t need a trade-last; I’m just telling you Jan said you were brilliant."
About Trade-Last
The expression “trade-last” emerged in the late 19th century as a shortening of the phrase “will you trade your last compliment?” which was later shortened to “will you trade your last?”
Did you Know?
“Trade-last” is an old but charming expression that describes giving compliments in a somewhat convoluted fashion. For example, John tells Ringo that Paul thinks Ringo is a great drummer. In exchange, Ringo reveals to John that George is a fan of his latest lyrics. The trade-last exchange is similar to “paying it forward,” but rather than leaving something of value for the next person to enjoy, the first flatterer is doing so in hopes the person they’re talking to has another compliment to trade.
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