Did someone call you a ‘bonified’ person? What does that mean? This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression.
Meaning
The word ‘bonified’ is a misspelling of the words ‘bona fide.’ If someone is ‘bonafied,’ they have a genuine character, and they appear authentic in conversation and when meeting with them face-to-face. For instance, a person could be a bonafied gentleman, meaning they exhibit courteous behavior around others, particularly women.
An object can also be bonafied. For instance, if you have a diamond ring, it’s a bonafied piece of high-quality jewelry. Or, you could be dealing with a gold coin that is a bonafied collectible. If something is bonafied, it’s genuine or authentic.
The word bonafied carries the same meaning as ‘bona fide.’ It’s common for professionals to use bona fide in communications. However, using incorrect spelling may make you appear ignorant and uneducated to the other person.
Example Usage
“That guy is a bonfied genius. He managed to put the entire thing together in a few minutes, while everyone else struggled with it for hours.”
“There is no way this is the real deal. Unless you can prove to me that you got it from a bonafied source, I’m calling it a fugazi.”
“This is a bonafied diamond ring, my friend. You won’t find this kind of quality available anywhere at this price. Do you want to take it? Or are you going to spend more somewhere else?”
“This is a bonafied collectible and a real find. Well done. I think you could get a few thousand dollars selling this to the pawn shop.”
Origin
The expression 'bonified' originates from the incorrect spelling of the wrong 'bona fide." This alteration of the term might seem like it occurred due to declined educational standards in the 20th century.
However, it might surprise you to learn that it's been around since the mid-19th century. This term's earliest spelling is used in Richmond (Indiana) Palladium.
Today, the word retains its original meaning of describing something genuine or authentic. Language experts are unsure of which version is more popular in communications. However, it's thought professional people would use the correct spelling, while uneducated people use the incorrect interpretation of the expression.
Phrases Similar to Bonified
- Bona fide.
- Genuine.
- Authentic.
Phrases Opposite to Bonified
- Fake.
- Inauthentic.
What is the Correct Saying?
- Bonafied.
- Bona fide.
Ways People May Say Bonified Incorrectly
The word ‘bonafied’ is a misspelling of the words ‘bona fide.’ Using it in any communication is incorrect and makes you look ignorant and uneducated.
Acceptable Ways to Phrase Bonified
You can use the word ‘bonified’ as a substitution for ‘bona fide.’ However, bonafied is the incorrect spelling. Since most cases where you’ll be using this involve communications between professionals, using ‘bonafied’ will make you look ignorant and uneducated.
You can use it in social conversations and in texts between friends. Many people confuse the spelling of this word, and they likely won’t call you out on it. When something is bona fide, it means it’s genuine or authentic, so you’ll use it to claim authenticity in something or note someone’s approach to other people, work, or their community.