What’s the origin of the phrase ‘Bad news travels fast’?
‘Bad news travels fast’ is first found in print in the English author Thomas Kyd’s tragedic play The Spanish Tragedy, which was written sometime between 1582 and 1592. It includes these lines:
If he lived, the news would soon be here.
Nay, evil news fly faster still than good
There’s not a great deal more to say about this expression. Unlike many proverbs, it is merely a literal observation on life rather than the more commonplace uplifting metaphorical motto intended to spur us to greater morality or industry.
See other phrases that were coined in the USA.
See also: the List of Proverbs.