The phrase "give his walking papers" is a colloquial expression meaning to dismiss or fire someone. The spelling of this phrase can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), which represents the sounds of spoken language. In IPA, "give" is written as /ɡɪv/, "his" as /hɪz/, "walking" as /ˈwɔːkɪŋ/, and "papers" as /ˈpeɪpərz/. The stress falls on the second syllable of "walking" and the first syllable of "papers." Together, the phrase is pronounced as /ɡɪv hɪz ˈwɔːkɪŋ ˈpeɪpərz/.
To "give his walking papers" is an idiomatic expression that refers to dismissing or terminating someone from their job or position. The phrase originated around the early 19th century and is believed to have British origins, particularly within the theater industry.
When someone is given their walking papers, it means that they have been handed a notice or letter informing them of their termination or dismissal. The phrase "walking papers" is symbolic, as it suggests that the person is being given permission to leave or is being shown the way out. This expression is often used when an employer no longer wants an individual to continue working for them due to various reasons, such as poor performance, misconduct, or organizational changes.
The term carries a sense of finality and implies that the person is being let go permanently or indefinitely. It may also convey a sudden or unexpected ending to the person's employment, typically without any opportunities for negotiation or reconciliation. Giving someone their walking papers is often regarded as a direct and uncompromising action taken by an employer to severe ties with an employee.
Overall, to give someone their walking papers is a forceful and decisive manner of terminating their employment, resulting in the person being released from their duties and responsibilities.