savoir-faire
UK[ˌsævwɑː ˈfeə(r)]US[ˌsævwɑːr ˈfer]
n
the ability to act or speak appropriately in social situations; tact and polished social skill.
Etymology
the term "savoir-faire" was borrowed directly from french in the early 19th century, entering english as a sophisticated expression for a specific kind of social competence. in french, it is a compound of "savoir" (to know) from latin "sapere" (to be wise) and "faire" (to do) from latin "facere" (to make or do). the literal meaning, "to know how to do," perfectly captures the essence of the word: the practical knowledge of how to conduct oneself adeptly. this loanword retains its original french spelling and pronunciation, reflecting its status as a refined import describing a polished, worldly skill.
Analysis
this is a direct loanword from french, adopted as a lexical unit into english. it is not segmented according to english spelling conventions.
Examples
she handled the awkward situation with remarkable savoir-faire.
his natural savoir-faire made him an excellent diplomat and host.
the job requires not just technical expertise but also a degree of social savoir-faire.