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Vinegar Valentines, The Nasty And Mean Way Victorians Told People They Didn’t Like To Get Lost
Making fun of and directly telling people they weren’t liked in a card used to be a Victorian era fad for ridding yourself of those you didn’t want around
Unfortunately, when men set their romantic sights on women, such overtures are not always welcome. Sometimes a simple “no thanks” doesn’t suffice and more creative measures are undertaken to make sure the unwanted suitors know it’s time to hit the bricks. One unique way this was done in the 19th century was through the delivery of vinegar valentines. Instead of traditional valentines where sweet nothings are scribbled on cards, these were quite the opposite, designed to discourage an admirer and others you didn’t want around in your life by belittling, mocking and otherwise pointing out their flaws.
During the Victorian era, vinegar valentines emerged as a decidedly different counterpoint to the traditional ways to express affection and love. These beautiful cards, adorned with intricate illustrations and accompanied by scathing poems, provided a platform for individuals to voice their disapproval and contempt. While perhaps not the nicest way to do things, it was a platform for people to tell those in their…
