Pinky swear
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To pinky swear (in some regions referred to as the pinky promise) is when two people entwine their pinky fingers to signify that a promise has been made. It is often seen in anime, where it is called a yubikiri (指切り Japanese for "Finger Cut-off").[1] It is also possible for a pinky swear to exist between 3 parties, known as a 3-way pinky promise. A pinky swear between 4 or more people is relatively unknown.
Traditionally, the pinky swear is considered binding and tantamount to a handshake in terms of sealing a deal. The pinky swear originally indicated that the person who breaks the promise must cut off their pinky finger.[2] 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 cannot be broken or counteracted by the crossing of fingers or other such trickery.[3] The Pinky Swear can be broken if all parties agree. Pinky promises are also only valid if all parties agree prior to interlocking pinkies. A pinky swear can however be broken if the majority of candidates chose to break it.
 An example of a three-way pinky swear |
[edit] See also
[edit] Notes
- ^ "Yubikiri". The Anime Encyclopaedia. The Anime Cafe. http://www.abcb.com/ency/y/yubikiri.htm. Retrieved 2008-11-29.
- ^ Hill, Peter B. E.: "The Japanese Mafia: Yakuza, law, and the state", page 75. Oxford University Press, 2003
- ^ Iwai, H . Byǒri Shǔdan: "Sheishin-Shobǒ", page 225. 1963
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