What Are the British Slang for Goodbye? (How Do you Say It)

By @bestSlanges

Hello, and goodbye are important to any formal and informal gathering. Leaving goodbye is more impactful than slipping away without a word. 

Your impactful conversation and warm goodbye stay in others’ minds. Every place has some atecates of saying goodbye we can not offend someone with a casual see-off in a meeting. 

This article will discover several British slang for goodbye and the times when British people used them. 

Let’s plug in and explore the guide. 

Common British Slangs for Goodbye 

Cheerio / Cheers:

Cheerio is old-fashioned British slang for goodbye. In modern times, cheerio is replaced by cheers. People use it when they want to thank another person for meeting them. 

 Pip-pip:

It is a light-hearted and playful slang used to say goodbye. Folks use it in a comedian way to wave hands with peals of laughter. 

Toodle pip / Toodle-oo 

It is also another old-fashioned slang that gives the feeling of nostalgic charm. It is used by the older generation optimistically but declined in gen-Z. 

Laters/Sea-ya: 

It is an informal slang that means to see you later. This is a relaxed and effective slang used by youngsters in their casual sitting when they had the plan to meet again. 

Ta-ta: 

It is an informal nonchalant and easygoing slang mostly used with kids.

Tata Tata for-now (TTFN) / Bye-now:

It is a well-mannered and respectful way of saying see you soon in some ruler areas of the UK. 

Cheer-bye:

The extension of cheerio but carries the same tone and meaning. 

Ta-ra:

Midlands and Northern England popular warm-hearted slang used in casual sittings. 

Mate: 

The word mate means friend and companion, so using it in goodbye shows relations and care, such as “See you, mate,” or “Catch you later, mate.” 

So long:

It is an informal, old-fashioned slang that gives a sentimental vibe.  When someone says so long that means “goodbye for now until we meet again”. It is most common in English-speaking countries and says there are chances to meet again in the future. 

Bye:

One of the most common British farewell slang which can be used in both formal and informal conversation.

Bah-bye:

It has a similar tenderness of bye but is used with kids to show gentle fondness. 

Godspeed:

It originates from the Middle English phrase “God spede” that means may God make you prosper. This farewell slag is used as a wish for loved ones for their protection and success on a journey. 

Peace out:

It shows the sign of peace that means to stay blessed. 

Catch you later:

This farewell slang gives future predictions that you will meet after some time.  

Laterz: 

It has the same sense of see ya later but the “Z” addition emphasizes the modernism and informality of the slang. 

Take care:

An informal way to say goodbye that shows other person’s concern and care for you. Most probably used by family, friends, and colleagues with mean look after your elf till we meet again.  

Examples: 

  • Cheerio, hope to meet you soon. 
  • Ta-ta see you at the birthday party, little angel. 
  • Ok, mate, I’m leaving. 
  • Catch you late at the concert. 
  • Happy to see you starting a new journey in your life, godspeed my friend. 

Other Interpretations:

  • Ciao
  • Adios
  • Au Revoir
  • Adieu
  • Bon Voyage
  • Sayonora
  • Parting 

Saying Goodbye With Cockeny Twist: 

Later Alligator:

A fun way to say goodbye to your family and friends later alligator. Means I’m leaving and the most common response is in a while crocodile.

Plates of Meat:

It is also an old-fashioned slang but you hear I am off on me plates. It means I’m off on my feet 

(goodbye, I am leaving).

Rabbit and Pork:

The rhyming phrase rabbit and pork mean there is no more talk. 

Final Words: 

British used a lot of slang for the word goodbye based on the context. Some of them have disappeared in the current modern phase but are nostalgically used by older generation.  

We can not use the same slang for our family and the boss as well. Because in formal meetings your departure attitude is also counted and helps in networking. 

We hope now you understand how and where to use these formal and informal British slang for goodbye. 

FAQ’s: 

What is the rude way to say goodbye in Britain?

I am leaving and then move out of the place without looking back.  

How does Southern say goodbye? 

Bye Yall

Do British people say bye?

Most often not because they find it childish. 

Gen-Z slang for goodbye?

Catch you later, mate, laterz, and peace out. 

British slang for goodbye funny? 

Ta-ta and toodles off. 

Sweet ways to say goodbye?

Take care, TTFN, godspeed  and bah-bye.

Is goodbye one word UK? 

Yes, both British and American versions prefer unhyphenated goodbye.

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