2006-11-16 08:59:45 · 18 answers · asked by dlt_77957 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
"R.S.V.P. stands for the French phrase Répondez s’il vous plaît (“reply, please”), so it doesn’t need an added “please.” However, since few people seem to know its literal meaning, and fewer still take it seriously, it’s best to use plain English: “Please reply.” It is a mistake to think that this phrase invites people to respond only if they are planning to attend; it is at least as important to notify the person doing the inviting if you cannot go."
2006-11-16 09:03:44 · answer #1 · answered by vic_meza@sbcglobal.net 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's the acronym for the French phrase "Repondez s'il vous plait," which means "Answer, please."
It's meant to help the host or hostess get a more accurate guest count; the idea is that you tell the host/hostess whether or not you'll be able to go. Once he or she knows who is coming, it's then possible to plan the seating, the menu, etc.
You may sometimes see it with "regrets only" included -- this means that they only expect you to reply if you will be unable to return. The idea is the same -- how many bottles of champagne to have on ice, etc.
2006-11-16 09:05:21 · answer #2 · answered by Scott F 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's french for (spelling might be off) respond sei vous ples. It means in layman terms let me know if you're coming!
2006-11-16 09:03:35 · answer #3 · answered by Steve H 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is a french phrase which says" Respondez Sil Vous Plait" In the English language it means "Reply Please" Hope this answers your question, God bless
2006-11-16 09:05:57 · answer #4 · answered by ? 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Respondez s'il vous plait.
I may have spelled that wrong. It's been a long time since I took French.
It means. Please respond.
2006-11-16 09:02:38 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
repondez s'il vous plait
Please respond
2006-11-16 09:02:46 · answer #6 · answered by surlygurl 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's French "Respondez S'il Vous Plait." In English, RSVP stands for "Reply Please!"
2006-11-16 09:02:42 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It means let us know if your going to come to the gig or not.
2006-11-16 09:02:24 · answer #8 · answered by stephanieplum4404 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I always thought it meant resopnd soon via phone.
2006-11-16 09:03:03 · answer #9 · answered by I need help PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yep it does mean respondez s'il vous plait, which means please respond (in french). That's why it is quite humorous when people put RSVP please. Don't do that.
2006-11-16 09:16:31 · answer #10 · answered by makelovenothate 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋