Explore the meaning, historical origins, and cultural significance of the phrase 'to have the last word.'
To have the last word is to possess the final say in a decision-making process or to deliver the concluding rejoinder in a debate or discussion. This phrase often implies a sense of authority or control over the outcome of a conversation.
The phrase “to have the last word” dates back to the sixteenth century, indicating its long-standing presence in the English language. A notable early instance is found in Ben Jonson’s play A Tale of a Tub (1633), where it is used proverbially: “He will have the last word though he talk bilk for it.—Bilk! What’s that?—Why nothing: a word signifying Nothing; and borrowed here to express nothing.” The term “bilk,” meaning nothing, emphasizes the futility of insisting on the final word for its own sake. More recently, the phrase was used in a New York Times headline: “In Land of Lexicons, Having the Last Word” (March 19, 2005), illustrating its enduring relevance.
The phrase “to have the last word” carries connotations of authority, dominance, and sometimes stubbornness. In debates, it signifies the speaker’s attempt to assert their viewpoint as the definitive conclusion. In decision-making contexts, it implies the speaker’s ultimate control over the outcome. The phrase can also suggest a desire for closure or a need to assert one’s opinion, regardless of its substantive value.
In contemporary culture, “to have the last word” is frequently used in both personal and professional contexts. It appears in literature, film, and everyday discourse to describe scenarios where individuals seek to assert their views or authority. For example, in familial or romantic disputes, the phrase may highlight a partner’s insistence on concluding the argument on their terms. In professional settings, it can denote a leader’s final decision on a contentious issue.
In professional settings, having the last word often relates to decision-making authority, while in social contexts, it may reflect interpersonal dynamics and power struggles. In literary works, the phrase can symbolize thematic elements of control and resolution.
The phrase “to have the last word” remains highly relevant in modern discourse, reflecting the universal human desire for control and resolution in communication. Its durability is rated at ★★★★☆, indicating its continued prevalence and adaptability across various contexts.
“He will have the last word though he talk bilk for it.” - Ben Jonson, A Tale of a Tub (1633)
“In Land of Lexicons, Having the Last Word.” - The New York Times (March 19, 2005)