The Surprising French Phrase That Turns the “French Exit” on Its Head—You Won’t Believe What It Means!
Ever found yourself slipping out of a party and wondering if you’re committing some sort of social faux pas or just exercising a finely honed skill? That sneaky disappearance is what English calls a “French exit,” while the French cheekily call it “partir à l’anglaise” — ironically blaming the English for the same act! It’s like an international game of “who’s to blame?” ranging from the harmless party ghosting to the downright serious, like a soldier ditching his post. So, is it just polite avoidance or a covert tactical maneuver? Before you decide to vanish next time without a word, dive into the curious cultural dance of this disappearing act. LEARN MORE
In English, a “French exit” is to sneak out of a party without telling anyone. In French, it is known as “partir à l’anglaise” – to leave the English way.
Examples include relatively innocuous acts such as leaving a party without bidding farewell in order to avoid disturbing or upsetting the host, or more problematic acts such as a soldier leaving his post without authorization. Also known as Irish goodbye.
