The proverb “Blood is thicker than water” means family bonds are stronger than those of marriage or friendship. Its origin is attributed to Sir Walter Scott, but earlier references exist. Other related sayings include bloodlines and blood brother. Modern interpretations agree that family ties are closer than those of strangers. Sir Walter Scott is also credited with coining other phrases.
“Blood is thicker than water” is a recognizable proverb that has stood the test of time. The generally accepted interpretation of the saying is that the bond of those related by blood is stronger than the bond of marriage or friendship. The origin of the saying is most often attributed to the Scottish poet and novelist Sir Walter Scott in his novel ‘Guy Mannering’ in 1815. Other earlier sources include references as early as the 12th century.
Some sources claim that the expression was first mentioned in a medieval German epic poem by Heinrich der Glichezaere, which translated into English reads “the blood of blood is not spoiled by water”. Other references mention a similar mention in 1412 by an English priest, John Lydgate, in Troy Book. More modern versions include the Sir Walter Scott quote and those by authors Thomas Hughes, US Navy Commodore Josiah Tattnall and Aldous Huxley.
Various interpretations include Lydgate’s: “Relationships within the family are stronger than any other kind.” Huxley added a different twist with his interpretation in Ninth Philosopher’s Song in 1920 that “Blood, as all men know, is thicker than water. But the water is wider, thank the Lord, than the blood”. Tattnall is credited by some as bringing the proverb into common usage when he used the expression in 1859 to defend his American ship’s aid to a British vessel during an attack on the Chinese.
Other sayings are often related to “blood is thicker than water”. These include bloodlines, bad blood, and blood brother. “Blood brother” often refers to two males related by birth, or two or more men unrelated by birth, but who swear allegiance to each other.
The phrase has obviously been in use for hundreds of years, with most modern interpretations agreeing that family ties are closer than those of strangers. In other words, those who are related by blood (kin) are more intimately related than those who are related by water (non-kin).
If Sir Walter Scott is to be credited with being the father of the phrase, he certainly has ties to many other colorful proverbs. He is recognized for coining other phrases in his writing to include cold shoulder, go crazy, lock stock and barrel, savoir faire, the apple of my eye, tongue under control and out of the way, among others.
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