Pinky swear

To pinky swear (in some regions referred to as the pinky promise or pinky square) is when two people entwine their pinky fingers—and then kiss the back of their hands most commonly of the same respective hands—to signify that a promise has been made. The kiss is not necessary in all parts of America. 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. [Hill, Peter B. E.: "The Japanese Mafia: Yakuza, law, and the state", page 75. Oxford University Press, 2003]

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, the "I take it back" or any other trickery. [Iwai, H . Byǒri Shǔdan: "Sheishin-Shobǒ", page 225. 1963] If "no crosses count" is said at anytime during the pinky swear, it applies to any crosses (fingers, toes, etc.) at anytime during the pinky swear.

ources

*Cite book | author=Hill, Peter B. E. | title= The Japanese Mafia: Yakuza, law, and the state| year=2003 | publisher= Oxford University Press | id=ISBN 978-0199257522
*Cite book | author=Iwai, H. Byǒri Shǔdan | title= Sheishin-Shobǒ | year=1963

ee also

*Pinky finger

Notes

http://blogs.kansascity.com/unfettered_letters/2008/03/pinkie-promises.html