an item

A

an item (noun)
/æn ˈaɪtəm/

Meaning

• Refers to two people romantically involved or considered a couple.
• A couple having a romantic relationship.
• Denotes a single thing or object among a collection or list.
• Suggests a unit of news or media content, often part of a larger report.

Example Sentences

1. Everyone’s talking—Emma and Jake are an item now.
2. Please select an item from the menu to proceed.
3. The evening bulletin included an item on the local elections.
4. That jacket is an item from last season’s collection.
5. Clause 3 is an item that needs further legal review.

Synonyms: couple; unit; object; product.

Origin and History

The term “an item,” when used to describe two people who are in a romantic relationship, has a somewhat obscure origin, with various theories and possibilities emerging over time. While pinpointing its exact genesis can be difficult, we can explore the most widely accepted ideas and delve into its historical context.

The Origin of “An Item”: A Comprehensive Article

The phrase “an item” to refer to a romantically involved couple is a common expression today, but its journey into everyday language is a fascinating blend of journalistic history, social shifts, and the evolving nature of celebrity and privacy.

Early Journalistic Use

One of the most widely accepted theories suggests that the phrase originated in the world of journalism, specifically in gossip columns or entertainment news. In the early to mid-20th century, newspapers and magazines would often report on celebrity pairings. To describe a new couple without explicitly stating they were married or officially engaged, reporters might refer to them as “an item.” This allowed for a degree of vagueness while still conveying the nature of their relationship.

The term “item” itself has a broader meaning of a single piece or unit of information, especially one within a list or collection. In journalism, a brief piece of news or a small report is often called an “item.” Therefore, two people being “an item” could simply mean they constituted a news item or a point of interest as a pair. This interpretation suggests a practical, descriptive origin within the media industry.

The “Shopping List” Metaphor

Another theory, though less documented, draws on the idea of a “shopping list” or an inventory. If people were seen as being “on a list” of potential partners, or if their romantic status was being tracked, being “an item” could imply they were formally recognized as a pair within that social or journalistic inventory. This metaphorical connection highlights the idea of being counted or acknowledged as a unit.

From Public to Private Discourse

Initially, the phrase might have been primarily used by those observing or reporting on relationships. However, as it gained traction, it likely seeped into everyday conversation. People would adopt the convenient and slightly coy phrasing to discuss couples in their own social circles, mimicking the language they encountered in media. This transition from formal journalistic jargon to informal slang is a common linguistic phenomenon.

The Influence of Discretion

The term “an item” offers a subtle way to describe a relationship without being overly explicit or presumptuous. It suggests a certain level of intimacy and connection without detailing the exact nature of the romantic involvement. This discretion could have been appealing in times when public displays of affection or discussions of private relationships were considered less appropriate. It provided a polite and generally accepted shorthand.

Possible Imaginative Theories

Beyond the documented theories, one might imagine the phrase evolving from a sense of two distinct entities becoming linked, like two pieces of a puzzle forming a complete picture, or two individual elements combining to create a new, singular unit. The idea of “adding up” to something more, where two individuals are more than the sum of their parts when together, could also subtly contribute to the imagery.

Earliest Printed Record

While pinpointing the absolute first instance is difficult, the phrase “an item” to refer to a romantic couple began appearing more regularly in American newspapers and magazines in the early 20th century. One of the earliest records, often cited, is from a publication in the United States. For example, references can be found in gossip columns from the 1920s and 1930s.

For instance, an early example found in American newspapers uses the phrase to refer to couples. While an exhaustive search for the absolute earliest usage across all printed materials is complex, evidence suggests its emergence in popular media around this period.

The phrase has since become a widely understood idiom, crossing cultural boundaries and remaining a concise way to describe a developing or established romantic relationship.

Variants

• be an item
• they’re an item
• form an item
• listed as an item

Love, Relationship

Last update: July 14, 2025 7:50 AM