têteàtête

Tête-à-tête is a term used in English to denote a private conversation between two people. The phrase is French for “head-to-head” or “face-to-face,” derived from tête (head) and à tête (to head). In English, it is commonly written with the diacritics as tête-à-tête, though non-accented forms such as tete-a-tete are also found.

As a noun, a tête-à-tête refers to a private meeting or discussion between two individuals, often characterized by confidentiality or intimacy. The expression can describe a casual chat or a formal interview conducted in private, away from others.

In interior design and architecture, tête-à-tête also denotes a seating arrangement for two that places the chairs or seats face-to-face, typically with a small table between them. This setup is designed to encourage direct, intimate conversation and was especially popular in 18th- and 19th-century salons and drawing rooms.

In performing arts and literature, the term can describe a scene or exchange between two characters that emphasizes direct, personal dialogue. It emphasizes the interaction of two participants rather than a broader group.

Variants of the term appear in English without diacritics (tete-a-tete, tete-a-tete) and are used across contexts, from social etiquette to design to drama. The core idea remains a private, direct exchange between two people.