In Ireland, there’s a social phenomenon known as the Irish Goodbye. It’s an intriguing behavior, to say the least, which consists of discreetly leaving a party, meeting or social event without saying goodbye to anyone. This gesture may seem impolite at first glance, but it has deep cultural significance and interesting origins. Don’t take it the wrong way if an Irishman gives you an Irish goodbye: although it’s disconcerting, it’s accepted in every way in Irish culture… and there’s a tangible explanation for it!
Typically Irish, the Irish Goodbye is a practice that has existed for centuries in Ireland. The idea is to leave a party or family gathering on the sly, without making a fuss or saying goodbye.
Although this may seem surprising, the Irish justify it by evoking their unique sense of welcome and Irish hospitality.
Because in the Irish tradition, hosts go out of their way to make their guests feel welcome and at ease. This often includes hours of conversation, music, dancing and, of course, plenty of drinks. Irish festivities can last a long time, often until the early hours of the morning!
So there are many reasons for the Au Revoir Irlandais. Some people do this to avoid emotional goodbyes and protracted departures, while others simply prefer to avoid awkward moments or difficult discussions.
The idea behind this practice is often not to disturb the host with a formal departure and not to interrupt the party for the other guests. In short, the Irish Au Revoir is a discreet way of saying goodbye without creating any effusiveness or sadness at the thought of parting.
Over the years, the Irish Goodbye has become a widespread societal phenomenon, extending far beyond Ireland’s borders. In many countries, people recognize this practice and adopt it in their social interactions.
This is partly due to globalization and growing cultural exchanges. And let’s not forget the Irish diaspora living in the United States, who have developed this tradition far beyond Ireland’s borders.
Some see the Irish Au Revoir as a rude or disrespectful tendency, while others see it as a way of protecting their privacy and autonomy in social situations. This difference of opinion reflects cultural variations and social norms specific to each country.
Although the Au Revoir Irlandais is rooted in Irish culture, similar practices exist in other parts of the world. In France, for example, it’s often referred to as “departing English-style”, to describe a discreet departure without saying goodbye to anyone.
In the USA, the Irish Goodbye is well known, but in some circles it’s also known as the “French Exit”.
In some countries, this practice is more tolerated and accepted than in others. In Ireland, this is an integral part of social culture, and it’s generally well understood that people can leave discreetly without it being considered rude. On the other hand, in some more formal cultures or where etiquette is strictly observed, the Irish Au Revoir may be perceived negatively.
