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• anon
  anon

  adverb

  in a short time; soon.
• anon.
  anon.

  abbreviation

  anonymous.

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Which Shakespeare play includes the words "Anon, good nurse"?

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anon

¹ American  

[uh-non] / əˈnɒn /

adverb

1. in a short time; soon.

2. at another time.

3. Archaic. at once; immediately.

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idioms

1. ever and anon, now and then; occasionally.

anon. ² American  

abbreviation

1. anonymous.

2. anonymously.

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anon. ¹ British  

abbreviation

1. anonymous

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anon ² British  

/ əˈnɒn /

adverb

1. in a short time; soon

2. now and then

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anon. Cultural  

1. An abbreviation for anonymous, used to indicate unknown or unacknowledged authorship. Without the period, anon means “at another time” or “again.”

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Etymology

Origin of anon¹

before 1000; Middle English anon, anoon, Old English on āne in one (course), i.e., straightaway

Origin of anon.²

First recorded in 1730–40

Explanation

Although the word anon sounds old (it is, it is!), it can still be used today to indicate "soon." If you say, "I hear you calling and I will come anon," the person calling you might still be impatient, but they'll be impressed. The word anon can be found as early as the 11th Century, with the Old English word āne meaning "in one," or "right away." The word is considered archaic, and sounds a little pretentious when used today. It fits much better in older literature such as works by Shakespeare. For example, in Romeo and Juliet, Juliet's nurse calls her just as the girl is bidding goodbye to Romeo, and she keeps putting the Nurse off by saying, "I come anon."

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

anon anon.

She confronted him about his Facebook deception, and he confessed that it was indeed him under this anon account.

From Slate ● Jul. 15, 2019

If this makes of me a traitor, then so be it—I shall be judged anon.

From Golf Digest ● Feb. 15, 2018

The Drake comeback continues anon with this appealingly greasy collaboration with the rising Memphis rapper BlocBoy JB.

From New York Times ● Feb. 9, 2018

There’s been plenty of big news already today at Melbourne, but more of that anon.

From The Guardian ● Jan. 19, 2016

Johnny almost worshiped him for his skill and almost loved him, because, ever and anon, he looked so much like Rab; but still it was only where horses were concerned they were equals.

From "Johnny Tremain" by Esther Hoskins Forbes

And thereupon the wine was fet* anon. *fetched.

From The Canterbury Tales, and Other Poems by D. Laing Purves

Music anon., but most probably later than Shakespeare's time.

From Shakespeare and Music With Illustrations from the Music of the 16th and 17th centuries by Edward W. (Edward Woodall) Naylor