When did "Trick or Treat" become a greeting like "Merry Christmas" or "Happy New Year"?

[bbernardini]

While handing out candy last night, I heard a number of parents (and some kids) use the phrase "trick or treat" as if it was the equivalent of "Happy Halloween," rather than a suggestion that if a treat is not provided, a trick will be played. When did this start to happen?

[Midlodemocrat]

1. I don't recall it ever not happening.

When I went trick or treating, I said it, and when I hand out candy the kids all say it. :shrug:

[bbernardini]

2. Well, sure, but...

...you say it when you're asking for the candy, followed (ideally) by a "thank you" when you receive it. It's not the equivalent of "Happy Halloween," which is how a lot of people were using it AFTER they had already said it when requesting the candy.

[Midlodemocrat]

4. I misunderstood you. I thought you meant that they were

saying it like I described.

[Pacifist Patriot]

3. Not around here.

It was all "trick or treat" pre-candy and either "Happy Halloween" or "thank you" post-candy.

[bbernardini]

5. Kick for the evening crowd.