The meaning of RSVP

[Fabienne]

A question: do Americans readily understand the meaning of RSVP, or should it be made clear in some other way that the courtesy of a response is appreciated by a particular date?

 

[itsstillmatt]

No, we are all really as stupid as you Europeans think that we are. If the invitation does not blow up by a certain date, we don't know what to do with it.

. I would assume that most Americans know what RSVP means.

 

[JBZ]

I think (hope) most Americans know what RSVP means. However, no matter how you phrase it ("RSVP," "the courtesy of a response is requested by [date]", "you need to tell me if you're coming", etc.), you will always get a minority of people who never respond. What's just as bad, if not worse, is people who say they will show up, but then don't without a good excuse, particularly if the event is costing a set amount per plate.

 

[lee_44106]

Reserve Space Via Phone?

 

[heavyd]

Originally Posted by lee_44106

Reserve Space Via Phone?

The term means literally: rÃ

pondez s'il vous plaÃ

t (please reply)

It is in French.

Don't listen to these guys, it was a fair question. There is a lot of jargon you know that they don't I am sure.

 

[imageWIS]

Originally Posted by heavyd

The term means literally: rÃ

pondez s'il vous plaÃ

t (please reply)

Actually, it's: respond, if you please.

Originally Posted by heavyd

It is in French.

You don't say...

Jon.

 

[heavyd]

Originally Posted by imageWIS

Actually, it’s: respond, if you please. You don’t say… Jon.
It's funny how critical people get on this board UNLESS you come here bearing sale codes to share!

 

[heavyd]

Originally Posted by imageWIS

Actually, it's: respond, if you please.



You don't say...

Jon.


It's funny how critical people get on this board UNLESS you come here bearing sale codes to share!

 

[lawyerdad]

I believe that most Americans do readily understand "RSVP". Unfortunately, many Americans lack the courtesy to comply.

 

[Kent Wang]

It is somewhat redundant to say 'RSVP please'.

You could enforce the RSVP by only sending directions to those that do.

 

[itsstillmatt]

Originally Posted by imageWIS

Actually, it’s: respond, if you please. You don’t say… Jon.
Actually, it is respond, if it pleases you.

 

[imageWIS]

Originally Posted by iammatt

Actually, it is respond, if it pleases you.

I was being literal in my translation, merci beaucoup.

Jon.

 

[imageWIS]

Originally Posted by heavyd

It's funny how critical people get on this board UNLESS you come here bearing sale codes to share!

What?

Jon.

 

[odoreater]

Wait a minute, I thought the whole point of "RSVP" was that you only have to respond if you want to. If it literally means "respond, if it pleases you" or "respond, if you please," what if it doesn't please me to respond or if I don't please to respond?

If you really want everyone to respond, don't ask in such a weak, french, way (i.e., "respond, if you please"), ask in a tough American way (e.g., "a response is mandatory" or "failure to respond will result in legal action" or "failure to respond may result in death or serious injury").

Come on people, get with the program here.

 

[itsstillmatt]

Originally Posted by imageWIS

I was being literal in my translation, merci beaucoup.

Jon.
De rien.