The phrase "goes Gretna Green" refers to the act of eloping or running away to get married. "Gretna Green" is a village in Scotland that was a popular destination for eloping couples due to its easy marriage laws in the past. The pronunciation of "Gretna" is /ˈɡrɛtnə/, with the "e" being silent, and the stress on the first syllable. The spelling of this phrase is straightforward, with "goes" being the present tense third person singular of "go."
"Go Gretna Green" is a phrase derived from the name of a village in Scotland called Gretna Green, known for its famous tradition of elopement. The term refers to the act of secretly running away to get married without the knowledge or consent of the couple's families or friends. It implies bypassing social norms, parental approval, or legal procedures that are usually associated with marriages.
The origin of this saying can be traced back to the 18th and 19th centuries when the laws in England and Wales required people under 21 to get parental consent before marrying. However, the laws in Scotland were far more relaxed, allowing couples as young as 16 to marry without parental consent. Gretna Green, being the first village over the Scottish border from England, became a popular destination for young lovers to seek refuge and tie the knot swiftly.
Consequently, the phrase "goes Gretna Green" has evolved to represent any act of eloping or fleeing to marry in secret. It signifies a hasty decision, usually driven by intense passion or rebellion against societal conventions. The phrase is typically used in a colloquial context to describe situations where individuals defy traditional expectations and opt for an unconventional approach in matters of love and marriage.