Exit, Stage Left - Theatre Etymology - Part 34

When most people hear "Exit, stage left," they probably think of the pink mountain lion, Snagglepuss, that was created by Hanna-Barbera. It wouldn't be surprising since that is one of his catchphrases, the other being "Heavens to Murgatroyd!" The phrase "Exit, stage left," has come to mean quite a few things instead of just the typical exiting off of a stage.

Here are a few possible meanings of the phrase:

• An uneventful, orderly departure that is timed so it does not distract or detract from the situation.
• To disappear or exit from a place in a non-dramatic fashion so more interesting events can take place.
• To leave the scene without making a fuss.
• A timely departure meant to not draw attention to one's self.
• Literally exiting a stage from stage left.
• A phrase said to somebody when you want them to leave (although this is slang and may not truly be a popular usage).

The phrase obviously comes from the theatre in stage directions that would read, "Exit, stage left." However, unlike some people think, it does not come from Shakespeare. The stage instructions in his play The Winter's Tale are not, "Exit, stage left, persued by a bear." They are only "Exit, persued by a bear." In fact, Shakespeare does not have which way actors should exit the stage and only uses "Exit" or "Exeunt."

The word exit partly comes from the Latin word exitus meaning act or means of going out. This is equivalent to the prefix exi- which is a variant stem of exīre meaning to go out and the suffix -tus which makes an action verb. The word stage comes from the Old French word estage or the French word étage. These come from the Vulgar Latin word staticum meaning “standing place.” This is equivalent to stat having us added to the end, so it become status. This is considered a neuter of staticus and static. The word left, when used as a directional word comes from the Middle English word left, lift, or luft, or the Old English word left meaning idle, weak, or useless. It may also come from the Kentish form of lyft- (in lyftādl palsy). This is comparable to the Dutch and Low German word lucht which is akin to Middle English word libbe meaning to castrate. This is comparable to the Dutch and Low German word lubben.

The phrase has no been used to title books and musical albums. Snagglepuss is supposed to be a great actor. Because of this, it is interesting that when he said, "Exit, stage left!" he didn't always exit stage left. In this short clip, he actually exits stage right.

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