savoir fairen.
/ˌsavwɑː ˈfɛː/, U.S. /ˈˌsævˌwɑr ˈfɛ(ə)r/ Knowledge of the correct course of action in a particular situation, know-how. Now usually: spec. the ability to act or speak appropriately in social situations.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > behaviour > good behaviour > [noun] > knowledge of how to behave
kitha1375
savoir faire1788
move1966
the mind > mental capacity > understanding > wisdom, sagacity > worldly wisdom > [noun]
shrewdnessa1616
common sense1658
savoir vivre1745
savoir faire1788
savoir1823
conventional wisdom1838
sophistication1850
canniness1878
hep1914
hipness1937
move1966
the world > action or operation > ability > skill or skilfulness > [noun] > skill in managing or directing > in any emergency
savoir faire1788
1788 R. Bage James Wallace III. 269 I have a very great opinion of your savoir faire, especially in the articles of sugar and rum; but for your savoir vivre—none.
1815 W. Scott Guy Mannering II. 235 He had great confidence in his own sçavoir faire.
1842 R. H. Barham Black Mousquetaire in Ingoldsby Legends 2nd Ser. 1 He..show'd so much of the true sçavoir faire.
1886 Manch. Examiner 15 Mar. 5/5 Sir Charles Warren has the versatility and savoir-faire which will enable him to do good work as Chief Commissioner of the London police.
1924 Granta 25 Apr. 361/2 He had, it seems, spent previously some months at Deauville and Paris..and there acquired that polished French and developed that savoir-faire, both so typical of him.
1965 A. Renoir in J. B. Bessinger & R. P. Creed Medieval & Ling. Stud. 159 If he is indeed the speaker's husband and Wulf her lover, we could hardly expect him to stretch the limits of savoir faire to the point of offering the latter a cup of mead at the family table.
2000 A. Bousfield & G. Toffoli Queen Mother & her Cent. ii. 36/1 Her savoir fare was as much instinctive as learned.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, December 2012; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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n.1788