The spelling of the phrase "perfect strangers" is not as straightforward as it may seem. The first word, "perfect," is pronounced /ˈpərfɪkt/ with the stress on the first syllable. The second word, "strangers," has a long A sound in the first syllable, pronounced /streɪndʒərz/ with the stress on the second syllable. Together, the phrase means "completely unfamiliar people," or individuals who are entirely unknown to one another. Despite its unusual spelling, the phrase is commonly used in everyday conversation.
Perfect strangers are individuals who are completely unknown to each other and have no prior connection or familiarity. The term "perfect" in this context means absolute or complete, emphasizing the total lack of knowledge or acquaintance between these individuals. Despite being strangers, the term "perfect" also suggests that there are no negative associations or preconceived notions held about one another.
In the realm of social interactions, perfect strangers refers to people who meet for the first time, often in a chance encounter or a new social setting. They lack any shared history, personal relationship, or mutual understanding. Perfect strangers are essentially individuals who are outside each other's social circles or immediate networks and are unaware of each other's background, preferences, and personality traits.
The notion of perfect strangers is often explored in popular culture, as it can be a starting point for various narratives. It is the premise for many stories and movies where two individuals from different backgrounds are thrust into situations together, such as traveling companions, roommates, or partners in solving a mystery. The phrase conveys the idea that strangers can come together and build a connection, overcoming their initial lack of familiarity and developing a relationship or bond.
Overall, perfect strangers refers to individuals who are complete unknowns to each other, lacking any previous interaction or knowledge about each other's lives, giving rise to the potential for new connections and relationships to be formed.
The phrase "perfect strangers" dates back to the 16th century. The word "perfect" in this context means "complete" or "thorough", and "strangers" refers to people who are unknown to each other. The combination implies individuals who are entirely unknown to one another, suggesting a lack of familiarity or previous interaction. The etymology of "perfect" can be traced to the Latin word "perfectus", meaning "completed" or "finished", while "stranger" originates from the Old French term "estrangier", derived from the Latin "extraneus", meaning "foreign" or "external". Together, "perfect strangers" literally implies complete strangers who have no prior acquaintance or relationship.