trade-last: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, archaic
Quick answer
What does “trade-last” mean?
A compliment or piece of gossip offered to someone in exchange for receiving one in return.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A compliment or piece of gossip offered to someone in exchange for receiving one in return.
An old-fashioned social practice involving the reciprocal exchange of flattering remarks or information, often in a light-hearted or playful context.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning; the term is equally archaic in both variants.
Connotations
Similar connotations of old-fashioned social etiquette in both British and American English.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both dialects, with occasional use in historical or humorous contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “trade-last” in a Sentence
Noun phrase: give [a trade-last] to someoneVerb phrase: engage in [a trade-last]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable; rarely used in formal or business contexts.
Academic
Seldom used; primarily appears in historical or linguistic discussions.
Everyday
Occasionally used in nostalgic or humorous social conversations.
Technical
No technical usage.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “trade-last”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “trade-last”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “trade-last”
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'I trade-lasted') instead of as a noun (e.g., 'we had a trade-last').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is considered archaic and is rarely used today except in historical or nostalgic contexts.
Typically not; it is informal and best suited for casual or descriptive texts about social practices.
It is primarily a noun, referring to the act or instance of exchanging compliments.
It originated in early 20th century American slang, combining 'trade' (exchange) and 'last' (referring to the latest compliment).
A compliment or piece of gossip offered to someone in exchange for receiving one in return.
Trade-last: in British English it is pronounced /treɪd lɑːst/, and in American English it is pronounced /treɪd læst/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to trade lasts”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'trade' as exchanging and 'last' as the latest compliment, so trading the most recent nice thing said about you.
Conceptual Metaphor
Social interaction as a marketplace of compliments.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary meaning of 'trade-last'?