The Irish Goodbye – What It Is and Why People Do It
written by: Krystof-Sandor Harfst
Table of Content
Ever left a party without saying goodbye? That’s what’s known as an Irish Goodbye. No farewells, no attention – just a quiet exit.
Let’s take a closer look at what’s behind this habit.
What Is an Irish Goodbye?
An Irish Goodbye means leaving a social event without telling anyone. You simply walk out – no rounds of goodbyes, no hugs at the door.
Why do people do it?
- To avoid long or awkward farewells
- Because the event is too big or too loud
- Out of social exhaustion or introversion
- To leave on a high note before the mood drops
It’s not necessarily rude. For many, it’s just a way to keep things simple.

Why Is It Called an ‘Irish’ Goodbye?
The exact origin is unclear, but here are some common explanations:
Theory | Description |
---|---|
US slang | Possibly coined in Irish-American communities |
Cultural stereotype | Linked historically to stereotypes about Irish drinking behavior |
Popular expression | The phrase simply stuck – like many idioms, without a clear logic behind it |
The phrase isn’t meant literally anymore – it has become part of casual speech and is used playfully.
In other regions, similar behavior is called a French exit or simply ghosting a party.
Similar Expressions in Other Cultures
The idea of slipping away without saying goodbye isn’t just found in Irish culture. In fact, many countries have their own version of it – and often they blame someone else for the habit.
In the UK and the US, people sometimes call it a French Exit, while in France, the same behavior is called “filer à l’anglaise”, which literally means “to slip away like the English.” In Germany, there’s an old term “Polnischer Abgang” – “Polish departure” – though it's now considered outdated or impolite.
What all these phrases have in common is that they describe the same behavior: leaving quietly, without formal goodbyes. And they all suggest that this habit is not unique to one culture – it’s a pretty universal move.
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