tête-à-tête
[teyt-uh-teyt, tet-uh-tet; Fr. te-ta-tet] IPA noun, plural tête-à-têtes, French tête-à-tête, adjective, adverb
əˈteɪt
–noun
| 1. | a private conversation or interview, usually between two people. |
| 2. | Also called vis-à-vis. a sofa shaped like an S so two people are able to converse face to face. |
–adjective
| 3. | of, between, or for two persons together without others. |
–adverb
| 4. | (of two persons) together in private: to sit tête-à-tête. |
Origin:
1690–1700;
1690–1700;
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2010.
Yes, the tete a tete is by invention a piece of furniture designed for 2. But did you know that during the height of its popularity in the 1700's, it was known as "The Lovers Seat"? This allowed for intimate, face to face conversation during courtship, while avoiding the taboo of sitting too close. We wouldn't want young Francois getting too hot under his French collar now, would we?
Of course today the tete a tete is more of a curiosity, or literal conversation piece in the world of home decor. But its always been a smart looking piece of furniture, and perhaps on occassion, still a very good idea!
Of course today the tete a tete is more of a curiosity, or literal conversation piece in the world of home decor. But its always been a smart looking piece of furniture, and perhaps on occassion, still a very good idea!
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