The saying “kiss of death” refers to an action that seems helpful or benevolent but actually brings about demise and downfall. It often applies when someone with good intentions gives praise or approval that unintentionally jeopardizes the recipient. The exact origins of this expression are unclear, but it seems to have become popular in the 20th century. Some possible theories on the origin of “kiss of death” are explored below.
The Judas kiss
One potential source of “kiss of death” is the famous betraying kiss given by Judas to Jesus Christ. As told in the Gospels, Judas identified Jesus to the soldiers by greeting him with a kiss, leading to Jesus’ arrest and crucifixion. This marked Judas’ betrayal of Jesus despite being one of his apostles. The “Judas kiss” showed an act of intimacy and friendship that brought about mortal harm, which aligns with the implications of the modern phrase “kiss of death.” However, while this biblical kiss was certainly devious and deadly, the exact phrase “kiss of death” was not used in the Bible itself.
The Mafia
In the 20th century, organized crime groups like the Italian Mafia were known to give a “kiss of death” to mark someone for execution. For instance, if a member betrayed the Mafia or someone wanted revenge, they might give them the “kiss of death” to signify that the person was as good as dead. This involved kissing them on the cheeks or lips symbolically, after which they would usually be killed. The Godfather films depict scenes like this, popularizing the idea of the mob’s “kiss of death.” However, this ritual seems to have been invented for Hollywood rather than being a genuine mob practice.
Use in sports and politics
The phrase “kiss of death” really seemed to take off in the mid-20th century, especially in sports and political journalism. From the 1930s onward, sportswriters began using it in reference to a team or player who seemed destined for defeat after facing a particular setback. For instance, losing a star player to injury or trade might be called the “kiss of death” for a team’s championship hopes. Similarly, political commentators might use “kiss of death” to describe endorsements or polices that could ruin a candidate’s campaign. Though the terminology was new, the concept echoed the original meaning of a seemingly positive act bringing disastrous results.
Kiss of Death (1947 film)
In 1947, the film noir Kiss of Death was released, featuring the phrase in its title for the first time in a major cultural work. The movie stars Victor Mature as an ex-con pressured to turn informant on his former partners in crime, provoking the wrath of gang boss Tommy Udo (Richard Widmark in his breakout role). While Udo doesn’t literally blow kisses to mark his victims for death, he gives a now-famous, cackling laugh while gleefully pushing a wheelchair-bound woman down a flight of stairs. The film’s title Kiss of Death thus connected the expression to the deadly retribution faced by those who crossed violent gangsters.
The Lucky Luciano kiss of death
Notorious mobster Lucky Luciano may also have helped popularize the idea of a gangster’s “kiss of death,” albeit indirectly. In one of the most famous mob tales, Luciano supposedly gave a death-marking kiss on the cheek to his ex-protege Vito Genovese at a restaurant in 1936. Apocryphal or not, this event was said to seal Genovese’s fate, leading to his murder a few months later. Though unverified, this lurid story likely sparked public fascination with the kiss of death in organized crime.
Theoretical medieval origins
Before Luciano or Hollywood’s mobsters, some have theorized even earlier origins for the “kiss of death.” In medieval knighthood ceremonies, the lord would supposedly kiss the knight to confer his new status. However, if the lord kissed the knight on only one cheek instead of both, this “kiss of death” meant the knight would be shunned and unable to find employment. Though intriguing, these supposed customs lack solid historical documentation and may just be myths. Nonetheless, they echo the modern kiss of death by showing a supposedly positive act bringing rejection and ruin.
Conclusion
In summary, while its exact origins are uncertain, the saying “kiss of death” clearly took hold in the 20th century in contexts ranging from sports to film noir. It draws from earlier notions like Judas’s betrayal of Christ but seems to have gained prominence in mob stories and popular vernacular. With its implications of danger and deceit hiding behind a pleasant facade, this idiom continues to color commentary and journalism about risky endorsements, alliances, and partnerships that spell impending doom. Though not necessarily born of the Mafia or medieval knights, the kiss of death remains a potent metaphor warning against camouflaged catastrophe.
The Expression’s Exact Origin is Debated
While the meaning behind the “kiss of death” is well-understood, the exact origin of this turn of phrase is something that historians and etymologists continue to debate. There are a few prominent theories about where it came from:
The Judas Kiss
One possibility is that it originated with the biblical story of Judas betraying Jesus with a kiss. The kiss identified Jesus to the soldiers and sealed his fate, making it literally a “kiss of death.” However, the specific phrase does not appear in the Bible’s account.
The Mafia
In the 20th century, stories emerged claiming the Italian Mafia used the “kiss of death” to mark betrayers for execution. However, there is no evidence this was an actual mob practice – it may have been a Hollywood invention.
Ancient Rituals
Some have conjectured roots in medieval knighting rituals or ancient practices of kissing the dead. But definitive proof for these is lacking.
Film Noir
The 1947 film Kiss of Death popularized the phrase in its title. But it was already circulating before then.
Lucky Luciano
Mob boss Lucky Luciano supposedly gave a “kiss of death” to his ex-protege Vito Genovese. This may have sparked public fascination.
So while the precise origin is ambiguous, the phrase clearly gained cultural currency in the early- to mid-20th century. The mystery helps contribute to its dark aura of ominous danger.
The Phrase Evokes Betrayal and Deception
Much of the resonance of “kiss of death” comes from its connotations of deception, betrayal, and masking deadly consequences with intimacy and affection. A few reasons why it strikes such an emotive chord:
A Kiss Shows Love and Trust
A kiss is a fundamental symbol of love, friendship, and trust. To use a kiss as a murderous gesture heightens the shock value.
Hypocrisy of Intimacy
The intimacy of a kiss between enemies or betrayers highlights stark hypocrisy. It masks true hostile feelings.
False Security
The victim feels safe, perhaps even honored, before their life is ended by someone they trusted.
Perversion of Affection
A loving act like a kiss becomes corrupted into violence and malice. This perversion disturbs us.
Sudden Reversal
In an instant, affection turns into mortal danger. This whiplash effect startles and horrifies.
So the phrase provokes visceral responses by twisting one of the most tender human customs into a tool of deception and death. The dichotomy packs an emotional punch.
Use Over Time
While its exact origin is uncertain, “kiss of death” clearly gained cultural currency in the mid-20th century in various contexts:
1930s-1950s
Sports journalists used it for a setback dooming a team, like losing a star player. Political writers used it for endorsements dooming a campaign.
1947
The film noir Kiss of Death brought it into mainstream popular culture.
1950s-1960s
Mafia movies like The Godfather popularized it as a mob motif, even if fictionalized.
1960s-present
It became an established idiom across media and literature, often signaling danger disguising itself as solidarity.
21st century
It remains current in reporting on politics, business, and pop culture. Retains a connotation of hidden menace behind outward positivity.
So it progressed from slang to a generalized metaphor about the peril behind friendly facades. Its popularity endures thanks to the timeless dramatic irony it conveys.
Noteworthy Examples
Some illustrative examples of the “kiss of death” in major cultural works:
Films
– In The Godfather Part II (1974), Michael Corleone gives his brother Fredo the “kiss of death” for betraying him.
– In The Sopranos (1999-2007), mob characters frequently discuss giving and receiving the “kiss of death” as an execution order.
Music
– KISS (band) has a song called “Kiss of Death” (1992).
– Kiss of Death (2020) is an album by the rapper Novel.
Literature
– In Mario Puzo’s The Godfather (1969), Luca Brasi warns against giving the “kiss of death.”
– In JD Robb’s Naked in Death (1995), Eve says criminals once marked betrayers with a “kiss of death.”
Sports
– In 2001, Sports Illustrated said heavyweight boxer Mike Tyson giving endorsements was “the kiss of death.”
– In 2022, ESPN described Tom Brady returning from retirement as the “kiss of death” for other teams’ chances.
So from music to movies to literature to athletics, it continues to permeate popular culture as a metaphor carrying ominous overtones.
Concluding Thoughts on the Expression
In many ways, the lack of a definitive origin only enhances the sinister mystique around the “kiss of death.” Its background may be uncertain, but its cultural impact is clear. By highlighting dichotomies like intimacy and violence, safety and peril, trust and betrayal, this idiom packs a punch. It conjures a shocking image that sticks in the mind while also serving as a flexible metaphor. So do not expect the kiss of death to vanish anytime soon – this troubled token of affection will likely maintain its healthy place in the vernacular. Just be careful who you accept it from.