rematchmaker

English

Etymology

This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium. Particularly: “Or re- + matchmaker?”

From rematch +‎ maker, after matchmaker.

Noun

rematchmaker (plural rematchmakers)

1. One who reunites a romantic couple.
   • 1933 April 30, “These Ziegfeld Blondes Were So Alike that Wally Won, Starred and Lost Them Both: First Ethel Walked Out With the Dashing Bandmaster; Now Janet Wails: “I’m Through With Love---Give Me Back My Dog!””, in The Sunday Courier and Journal‎, volume 10, number 58, Evansville, Ind.:

     Janet feels that she needs the companionship of an animal, whereas Ethel Shutta has a “George Olsen, Junior,” to play with. “I’ll take the case to the Supreme Court if necessary,” exclaimed Janet hotly. “I must have my Muggsy.” […] Maybe Muggsy may prove to be a rematchmaker.

   • 1979 October 10, Sapulpa Daily Herald, volume 66, number 23, Sapulpa, Okla., page three-A:

     12-Year-Old Rematchmaker […] My parents are divorced and I am trying to get them back together.

   • 1980 June 4, Democrat and Chronicle, Rochester, N.Y.: Gannett Co., Inc., page 2C:

     Facts of Life⁠: Molly plays rematchmaker for estranged parents.

   • 1996 March 8, Steve Johnson, “TV’s most prolific producer has developed a formula for success that is still creating a demand for the fruits of the Spelling dynasty”, in Chicago Tribune, 149th year, number 68, section 5, page 5:

     The series failures kept coming, including hospitality soap “Hotel,” “Dynasty” spinoff “The Colbys,” and “Finder of Lost Loves,” about a rich rematchmaker.