An Etymology of Tendering

A romantic seafaring past? A simple twist of linguistic evolution? Or something else?

Answering a Call for Bids, replying to a Request for Information, or responding to a Request for Proposal. The nomenclature and procedures may differ from public to private sector, but the essence of tendering for business – whether open, advertised, restricted or closed tendering – is consistent. But, have you considered the origin of the word “tender”?

Does tendering have romantic seafaring past?

Upon arrival in port, merchant ships would post an announcement detailing the merchandise they wanted to buy or sell. This announcement was delivered ahead of the ship by a small vessel – known as a ‘tender’. This process came to be known as tendering.

Is tendering a simple twist of linguistic evolution?

The French language is often ranked in the world’s Top 5 most beautiful sounding languages. The rules of the French language – its grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation – give it a melodic quality that imparts a certain je ne sais quoi. From Middle French, tendre means ‘to offer, hold forth’.

Does tendering have a culinary connection?

Studies suggest that cooking and eating meat made us human; giving our pre-human ancestors a vital calorie boost that nourished a growing brain. As our brains flourished, we learned that some cuts of meat can be particularly tough, but super-flavoursome. Say hello to brining, braising, marinating, ageing and pounding… five processes for making food easier to eat and digest, also known colloquially as the five phases of procurement. From cooking, tenderisation.

So, there you have it!

But just like the brining process, do take this post with a large pinch of salt! Which of these origins for the word "tender" floats your boat?

You can read more about tendering in the books "Winner Takes All: Seven-and-a-half principles for winning more bids, tenders and proposals" by Scott Keyser and “Bids, Tenders and Proposals: Winning Business Through Best Practice” by Harold Lewis.