[Ads-l] Antedating of "Torch Song" and "Carry A Torch For"

[Shapiro, Fred]

Below are miniscule antedatings of John Baker's excellent work on these terms.

torch song (OED 1927), carry a torch for (OED 1927)

1926 Damon Runyan in Lancaster (Pa.) Daily Intelligencer 27 Oct. 10/7 (Newspapers.com)

Carrying the torch describes the sad condition of a person, male or female, who has had a falling out with their loved one, sweetheart, wife or husband. ... Mr. Tommy Lyman wrote the first really important torch song.

Fred Shapiro



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