English

Alternative forms

• ta-ta, tata, ta tah, ta-tah, tah tah, tah-tah

Interjection

ta ta

1. (chiefly Britain, Australia, New Zealand, informal, colloquial) Goodbye.
   • 1917, Henry Handel Richardson, Australia Felix, 2007, The Echo Library, 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, page 55,

     ‘No more questions? Then I′ll be off. Ta-ta.’

Synonyms

• (goodbye): bye, goodbye, hooroo (Australian); see also Wikisaurus:goodbye

Usage notes

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 speakers.

Translations

See also

• ta
• tara
• ta ta for now
• TTFN

Anagrams

• atta