Definition of the word personals

The term "personals" originally referred to the section of a newspaper that contained advertisements for marriage proposals, social events, and other personal matters. The word itself can be traced back to the 19th century when it was commonly used in the context of personal or individual announcements. The origins of this term can be traced back to the late 1800s, when newspapers began setting aside space for these types of ads. At that time, personal ads were often written in the third person, with the author referred to as "the advertiser" or "the advertised." The ads themselves commonly appeared under a heading such as "Matrimonials" or "Romance," which further reinforced the idea that these announcements were related to personal matters. The word "personals" began to take on its more modern meaning in the early 20th century, as newspapers began to broaden the scope of their personal ads to include a wider range of topics, from correspondence and companionship to employment and housing. As the content of these ads evolved, so too did the name by which they were known, giving rise to the term "personals" as a catch-all term for these types of advertisements. Today, the word "personals" continues to be used to describe this section of a newspaper or website, with the term applying to both traditional and online services alike. Whether in print or on the web, personal ads are still a popular way for people to connect with others, ranging from casual dates to long-term relationships and everything in between.