I'll see myself out

Posted by ESC on August 29, 2004

In Reply to: I'll see myself out posted by Smokey Stover on August 29, 2004

: : : I heard "i'll see myself out" somewhere and somehow.
: : : What can that mean besides "to escort" or "to outlive someone"?

: : I only know the literal meaning. A person is leaving and says, "I'll see myself out." He or she is saying that the host doesn't have to walk him to the door.

: Does anyone say that anymore? Does anyone every say, these days, I'll see you out? Or, the butler will see you out? Jeeves, see Mr. Redface out. But the expression is very common in old books and movies. Nora, see the man to the door. Of course, if your mansion was very large, and you were conversing in the library, deep in the bowels of the house, you might very well wish to do your guest the courtesy of "seeing" him through the maze between here and the front door. SS

On White Oak Mountain in W.Va., no guest ever "saw himself out." Leave-taking was at least an hour-long process:

1. First the guest announces his intention to leave.
2. The host invites him to stay all night.
3. The guest invites the host to go home with him.
4. After more conversation, the guest says he really must be going and stands up.
5. Then everyone else stands up.
6. Guest and the host family stand near the door talking.
7. They all move to the porch and continue talking.
8. They move to the yard.
9. The guest gets in his car but leaves the window down so everyone can still talk.
10. The host issues another invitation, "You might as well stay all night."
11. The guest says, "Come on and go with me."
12. The invitations are declined.
13. The guest drives off.
14. The host family stands watching the car drive away.
15. They go back in the house.