The phrase "giving his walking papers" means to dismiss or terminate someone from their job. The spelling of the word "walking" is /ˈwɔːkɪŋ/ in International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) notation, with the "w" sound followed by an "ɔː" sound as in "caught" or "bought," and the "k" and "ɪŋ" sounds as in "king." The phrase originates from the practice of giving an employee a written notice to leave their job and walk out of the building upon receipt, known as "walking papers."
The phrase "giving his walking papers" is an idiomatic expression that primarily serves to describe a scenario in which an individual is being dismissed or fired from their job or position. The figurative term "walking papers" refers to a document or letter that carries such news, literally asking the recipient to depart by foot. This phrase is often used colloquially and metaphorically, emphasizing the abruptness and impersonal nature of an employee's termination.
When someone is said to be "given his walking papers," it implies that their employment is coming to an end due to factors such as poor performance, misconduct, down-sizing, restructuring, or a variety of other reasons. This denotes a situation where an employer deems the employee unfit or no longer necessary for the job, thereby terminating their contractual or professional arrangement. The emphasis on "giving" signifies an authoritative action on the part of the employer, indicating the unilateral decision to terminate the individual's employment. Through this expression, the phrase reinforces the involuntary nature of the departure, often generating negative connotations related to issues of job security, financial stability, and personal confidence. In summary, "giving his walking papers" encompasses the act of dismissing an employee from their position, frequently implying the abruptness, impersonality, and involuntary nature of their termination.