A History of Short Words

From the New York Times Crossword Puzzle

IOU

Mon, 21 Aug '23
Debtor's note
Sun, 8 Jan '23
Promise to pay
Mon, 12 Sep '22
Promise-to-pay letters
Tue, 6 Sep '22
Promise of payment
Sun, 26 Jun '22
Debtor's note
Tue, 15 Feb '22
Promise to pay
Wed, 10 Nov '21
Debtor's note
Fri, 5 Nov '21
Cabbage alternative?
Tue, 5 Oct '21
Debtor's note
Tue, 4 May '21
Debtor's letters
Sat, 9 Jan '21
Acknowledgment of a debt