The phrase "French leave" is often used to describe someone who leaves a social event without saying goodbye. The spelling of "French" in this phrase can be a bit confusing as it is pronounced differently than the word for the country. In IPA phonetic transcription, the pronunciation of "French leave" is /frɛnʧ liːv/, with the "r" being silent and the "ch" making a soft "sh" sound. This phrase has its roots in 18th century military slang, where leaving without permission was called "taking French leave".
French leave refers to the act of leaving a place casually or stealthily without notifying others, typically without permission or proper farewells. This phrase is believed to have originated in 18th-century England and was primarily associated with the behavior of the French, who were considered to be more spontaneous and less concerned with social etiquette than the English.
The term "French leave" implies a sense of abandonment or disregard for established norms and expectations. It is often used when someone abruptly leaves a gathering or event without explanation, departing in a way that may be considered rude or disrespectful. Alternatively, it can also refer to someone who takes an unauthorized absence from their duties or responsibilities, such as leaving work without approval.
The connotations associated with "French leave" are often negative, suggesting disregard for others' feelings or a lack of consideration for social conventions. However, it is worth noting that the phrase does not reflect the actual behavior of the French people, but rather reflects the stereotypes prevalent in English society at the time of its origin.
In summary, "French leave" refers to the act of leaving a place without proper notice or permission, often considered rude or disrespectful. It carries negative connotations, stemming from stereotypes about the behavior of the French.
The term "French leave" is derived from the French expression "filer à l'anglaise", which literally means "to leave in the English way". It originated around the 18th century and referred to a manner of departure from a social gathering or a group without saying goodbye or obtaining permission. The expression might have originated due to the perceived English practice of quietly leaving a gathering without bidding farewell, contrasting with the more formal French etiquette that required proper goodbyes. Over time, "filer à l'anglaise" transformed into "to take French leave" or simply "French leave" in English.