English

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Alternative forms

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Etymology

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Probably hypocoristic, circa 1823.

Pronunciation

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Interjection

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ta ta

  1. (chiefly Commonwealth, UK, Ireland, informal, colloquial) Goodbye.
    • 1917, Henry Handel Richardson, Australia Felix, The Echo Library, published 2007, page 229:
      [] Well, ta-ta, sweetheart! Don′t expect me back to lunch.”
    • 1923 (recorded 1900), Ed Smith (Cranbrook Courier), Reminiscences of Kootenay Pioneers, recalling an event claimed to be the origin of the place name Ta Ta Creek; viewed in British Columbia archives),
      Red put the spurs to his horse and galloped away: “Ta ta, friends, I′ve business up the trail.”
    • 1967, Joan Lindsay, Picnic at Hanging Rock[1], page 55:
      ‘No more questions? Then I′ll be off. Ta-ta.’

Usage notes

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Dated and rarely used in the United States, sometimes used in Canada. Although likely to be understood, it is likely to be considered rather humorous, particularly if used in a parody of British English and Irish English speakers. The word is very commonly used in India and Myanmar (Burma).

Synonyms

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Descendants

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Translations

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See also

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Further reading

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  • ta ta”, in OneLook Dictionary Search.

Anagrams

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