To make a pinky promise, or pinky swear, is a traditional gesture most commonly practiced amongst children involving the locking of the pinkies of two people to signify that a promise has been made. The gesture is taken to signify that the person can break the finger of the one who broke the promise. The tradition appears to be a relatively modern invention, possibly as a continuation of older finger traditions. Prevalence worldwide In North America, it is most common amongst school-aged children or adults and close friends and has existed since at least 1860, when the Dictionary of Americanisms listed the following accompanying promise: Pinky, pinky bow-bell, Whoever tells a lie Will sink down to the bad place And never rise up again. Pinky swearing has origins in Japan from 1600-1803, where it is called and often additionally confirmed with the vow . Recently, in South Korea, the hooked pinky has been followed by a "seal", wherein the thumbs touch each other while the pinkies are still hooked. In Taiwan, stamping after hooking pinkies has been common place for over 30 years. In Belfast, Northern Ireland it is referred to as a "piggy promise". In Italy, a similar tradition is called "giurin giurello" or "giurin giuretto". In Maharashtra (India), this concept similarly using Marathi calls this "Gatti fu". References External links Oaths Traditions Hand gestures