Trade last
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A trade last is the concept of one person relaying a compliment overheard to another person, but only after the second person is able to provide the reciprocal. Often shortened as TL.
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[edit] Origin
Although the exact origins are unknown, it is widely suspected to have been a way for families to relay good wishes and compliments received about their children. It has roots in Louisiana, however it is practiced across much of the South.
[edit] Example
you might say: ‘Do I ever have a trade-last for you! (Insert your stupid, boring story here.) So, anyway, Anne said the other day that she thinks you seem like a nice person.’ I can guarantee you that if you have formatted your story in this way, I have listened with rapt attention to every word.[1]
[edit] Rules
Variations of these rules seem to vary depending on the region, however the following are the most generally accepted.
- To receive a TL, you must provide the other person with one first
- You MAY NOT solicit a compliment from someone else to fulfill a TL
- You can use an IOU to receive a TL early if both parties agree, however it generally should not be used for more than one TL at a time.
- A compliment can only be used once
