Meaning

Savoir faire

The meaning of the phrase

The instinctive ability to know how to deal with any situation that arises.

Savoir faire

What’s the origin of the phrase ‘Savoir faire’?

The literal translation from the French is ‘know how’. It is first seen in English in the writing of that incorrigible coiner of phrase - Sir Walter Scott, Guy Mannering, 1815:

“He had great confidence in his own savoir faire.”

See also - phrases coined by Sir Walter Scott.

Historical trend

“Savoir faire” in printed material over time

Source: Google Books Ngrams (1820–2020).

18201840186018801900192019401960198020002020
  • Savoir faire