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Savoir faire

What's the meaning of the phrase 'Savoir faire'?

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

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.

The history of “Savoir faire” in printed materials

Trend of savoir faire in printed material over time

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About the Author

Gary Martin is a writer and researcher on the origins of phrases and the creator of the Phrase Finder website. Over the past 26 years more than 700 million of his pages have been downloaded by readers. He is one of the most popular and trusted sources of information on phrases and idioms.

Gary Martin

Writer and researcher on the origins of phrases and the creator of the Phrase Finder website. Over the past 26 years more than 700 million of his pages have been downloaded by readers. He is one of the most popular and trusted sources of information on phrases and idioms.
Savoir faire

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