The phrase "gave walking papers" means to dismiss or terminate someone's employment. The pronunciation of this phrase in IPA phonetic transcription is [ɡeɪv wɔːkɪŋ ˈpeɪpəz], where the "g" is pronounced like "j" as in "jive." The "a" in "gave" is pronounced as in "cat," while the "o" in "walking" sounds like "aw" as in "law." Finally, "papers" is pronounced with the "a" sound like in "cat" and the "e" sounds like "uh" as in "under."
The phrase "gave walking papers" is an idiomatic expression that means to terminate or dismiss someone from their job or position. It is a colloquialism derived from the act of handing someone a letter or document that formally terminates their employment, essentially instructing them to leave the premises.
When an individual is "given walking papers," it implies a sudden and often unexpected termination, typically due to poor performance, misconduct, or downsizing. The use of the term "walking papers" suggests that the person is being asked to leave the workplace immediately, implying they are not permitted to linger or continue working.
The phrase is commonly used in informal conversations or informal writing to describe the act of firing someone. It can also be used metaphorically to refer to situations where an individual is dismissed from a role, position, or relationship outside of employment. The exact origins of the phrase are unclear, but it likely stems from the literal act of providing an employee with written notice to leave the premises after being terminated.
Overall, "gave walking papers" is a figurative expression used to describe the act of dismissing someone from their job by providing them with a written notice, often suggesting an abrupt and immediate termination.