Is the 'Irish goodbye' rude? Experts say most people get it wrong

Yet at a large function, announcing your departure could actually be more of a faux pas.

"You don't want to create this domino effect where everybody else is leaving and being disruptive."

For many, the appeal of the Irish goodbye comes down to convenience.

"The purpose of an Irish goodbye is solely about simplifying an exit," argued Richie Frieman, a Baltimore-based etiquette expert known as the "Modern Manners Guy."

But he pushed back on the idea that it's about saving time.

"If someone says they saved time by sneaking out like a thief in the night, then just humor them," Frieman told Fox News Digital.

He said the Irish goodbye is a "go-to move when someone doesn't want to be seen leaving early."

The term may have even emerged in the United States, possibly in Boston, which has a large Irish-American population. It describes someone slipping out quietly, sometimes to avoid revealing how much they had been drinking, according to Dictionary.com.

Some theories tie the phrase to Irish emigration during the potato famine, when people may have avoided prolonged, emotional farewells. 

Others suggest the opposite - that Irish goodbyes can be long and lively, thanks to the fabled "gift of the gab," making a quiet exit more appealing.

Despite the name, the so-called Irish goodbye isn't uniquely Irish, and similar expressions exist around the world.

In England, it's been called a "French leave," while in France, the equivalent translates to leaving "the English way," according to the Wall Street Journal. 

Linguists say these terms often reflect cultural rivalries rather than reality and were historically used "to disparage another country," according to the language learning service Babbel.

Even major brands are leaning into the trend, with Uber promoting discounted rides for those looking to leave parties "without a peep," according to reports.

Either way, experts agree there's a right way to go about it, and some form of follow-up with the host is necessary.

"Sometimes a quick text at the end of the night or letting someone know how much you appreciated seeing them the next day makes more sense," Cheperdak said.

Don't bother making excuses for your Irish exit, Frieman added. 

To execute a "mannerly" Irish goodbye, he recommends making an appearance, engaging thoroughly with guests and the host and ensuring you've contributed before slipping out.

Then - don't look back.

"Remember, this is supposed to be sneaky, so commit to the role and own it," Frieman said.