The phrase "hand walking papers" refers to the act of an employer terminating an employee. The spelling of this phrase can be broken down using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The first word, "hand," is spelled /hænd/, with the letter "h" representing the unvoiced glottal fricative sound, followed by the vowel sound /æ/ and the consonant sound /n/. The second word, "walking," is spelled /wɔkɪŋ/, with the vowel sound /ɔ/ and the consonant sounds /w/, /k/, and /ɪŋ/. Finally, the word "papers" is spelled /peɪpəz/, with the vowel sound /eɪ/, the consonant sounds /p/, /ə/, and /z/.
Hand walking papers is an idiomatic expression commonly used in informal or colloquial contexts to describe the act of being dismissed or fired from a job or position. The phrase typically implies that the individual is forced to leave their workplace immediately, often abruptly and without any prior notice or warning.
The term "hand walking papers" metaphorically evokes the image of an employee being handed their termination notice or dismissal letter, and then walking away from the premises as a result. This suggests that the act of being handed these papers symbolizes the end of their employment relationship with the organization.
By extension, the phrase can also imply a sense of suddenness or unexpectedness in the termination, giving the impression that the employee has been caught off-guard and must leave the premises promptly. Additionally, it may carry connotations of disgrace or negative judgment towards the terminated individual, as they are sometimes viewed as having done something wrong or undesirable in order to warrant their dismissal.
Overall, hand walking papers refers to being fired from a job or position suddenly, without any forewarning or opportunity for discussion or negotiation, creating an immediate end to the employment arrangement.