1. References

To pinky swear, or to make a pinky promise, is the touching of the pinkies of two people to signify that a promise has been made.

In the United States, the pinky swear has existed since at least 1860, when Dictionary of Americanisms listed the following accompanying promise:

Pinky, pinky bow-bell,

Whoever tells a lie

Will sink down to the bad place {{sic}}

And never rise up again.^[1]

Pinky swearing presumably started in Japan, where it is called {{Nihongo||指切り|yubikiri|"finger cut-off"}} and often additionally confirmed with the vow {{Nihongo|"Finger cut-off, ten thousand fist-punchings, whoever lies has to swallow thousand needles."|指切拳万、嘘ついたら針千本呑ます|"Yubikiri genman, uso tsuitara hari senbon nomasu"}}.^[2] The gesture may be connected to the Japanese belief that soulmates are connected by a red string of fate attached to each of their pinkies.

Recently in South Korea, the hooked pinky has been followed by a “seal,” wherein the thumbs touch each other while the pinkies are still hooked.

In modern times, pinky swearing is a more informal way of sealing a promise. It is most common among school-age children and close friends. The pinky swear signifies a promise that can never be broken. Pinky promises can only be made if there is a clear understanding on both parties. If no clear understanding then the pinky promise may be voided. ^[3]

References

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