Understanding “Tit for Tat”
The phrase “tit for tat” describes a response that mirrors a previous action. It can refer to retaliation, but it also captures fairness, reciprocal kindness, or simply a consistent reaction to a stimulus.
Origin of “Tit for Tat”
The earliest known use of “tit for tat” dates back to the mid‑16th century. Scholars trace the phrase to John Heywood’s 1546 collection Proverbs, where variations of reciprocal action appear. A more explicit reference occurs in the 1654 poem “The Spider and the Fly,” where the expression is used to illustrate a back‑and‑forth exchange. By the 20th century, Eric Partridge’s 1930 book Songs & Slang of the British Soldier cemented the phrase in everyday speech, showing its lasting relevance.
“Tit for Tat” in Literature
Writers have employed the concept of “tit for tat” to explore themes of justice, revenge, and mutual respect. Below are several notable examples.
Example #1: “Tit For Tat” by Walter de la Mare
“Have you been catching fish, Tom Noddy?
Have you snared a weeping hare?
Have you whistled ‘No Nunny’ and gunned a poor bunny,
Or blinded a bird of the air?
Have you trod like a murderer through the green woods,
Through the dewy deep dingles and glooms,
While every small creature screamed shrill to Dame Nature
‘He comes – and he comes!’?
Wonder I very much do, Tom Noddy,
If ever, when off you roam,
An ogre from space will stoop a lean face,
And lug you home:
Lug you home over his fence, Tom Noddy,
Of thorn‑sticks nine yards high,
With your bent knees strung round his old iron gun
And your head a dan‑dangling by.”
In this poem, the speaker warns Tom Noddy that his cruelty toward animals will ultimately reflect back upon him. The threat of the ogre is not merely revenge; it is a mirror of Tom Noddy’s own actions, highlighting the consequences of inflicting harm. The poem discourages violence while illustrating the principle of reciprocity.
Example #2: “Tit for Tat; a Tale” by John Aikin
“A LAW there is of ancient fame,
By nature’s self in every land implanted,
Lex Talionis is its Latin name;
But if an English term be wanted,
Give your next neighbour but a pat
He’ll give back as good, and tell you ‘tit for tat.’
This ‘tit for tat,’ it seems, not men alone,
But elephants, for legal justice own;
In proof of this a story I shall tell ye,
Imported from the famous town of Delhi.”
Aikin frames “tit for tat” as a universal law, linking it to the ancient principle of “lex talionis.” By extending the concept beyond humans, he suggests that reciprocal behavior is innate to all living beings. The poem invites reflection on how this principle shapes human society.
Example #3: “Tit For Tat” by Christopher Morley
I often pass a gracious tree
Whose name I can’t identify,
But still I bow, in courtesy
It waves a bough, in kind reply.
I do not know your name, O tree
(Are you a hemlock or a pine?)
But why should that embarrass me?
Quite probably you don’t know mine.
Morley’s verse offers a gentler take on “tit for tat.” The dialogue between speaker and tree exemplifies mutual respect and kindness. The exchange shows that reciprocity can be a positive force, fostering connection and goodwill, regardless of identity.
Example #4: From “Tit For Tat to Treat for Tat” by Dr. Pal
Dr. Pal expands the idea of “tit for tat” beyond retaliation, proposing that responding to positive actions with positive actions can create a virtuous cycle of goodwill. This perspective positions “tit for tat” as a constructive tool for building stronger relationships and promoting a compassionate society.
“Tit for Tat” in Modern Usage
The phrase remains common in contemporary discourse, especially when describing political and economic conflicts. For example, trade wars often involve “tit for tat” tariffs, where each nation imposes duties on the other’s goods in response to a similar measure.
Here are some everyday uses of the phrase:
- “This year my friend Josh didn’t greet me on my birthday. Perhaps it is tit for tat, as I forgot to wish him, too.”
- “The wars are all about tit for tat; rival kingdoms seek destruction while ignoring civilians.”
- “America and China have expelled newly appointed diplomats in a round of tit for tat expulsions.”
- “The army has learned to control tit for tat violence, and the troops are trying their best to prevent retaliatory counter‑attacks.”
- “The tit for tat politics of our country are damaging the roots of our economic growth.”
In game theory, a “tit for tat” strategy—cooperating initially and then mirroring the opponent’s subsequent moves—has proven surprisingly effective in encouraging cooperation and achieving mutually beneficial outcomes.
Ultimately, the enduring relevance of “tit for tat” lies in its ability to capture reciprocity, whether it manifests as retaliation, kindness, or a strategic approach to cooperation. It continues to shape our relationships and influence the course of events.