toodle-oo

American  

[tood-l-oo] / ˌtud lˈu /

interjection

Informal.

1. goodbye; so long.

   Toodle-oo, and I'll catch you all later today.

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toodle-oo British  

/ ˌtuːdəˈluː /

1. informal goodbye

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Etymology

Origin of toodle-oo

First recorded in 1905–10; of disputed origin; perhaps an elaboration of toot ¹ ( def. ); perhaps toodle (variant of dialectal tootle “to toddle”; toddle ( def. ) ) + -oo, interjection; perhaps a corruption of French à tout à l'heure “see you later,” literally, “to everything at the hour” ( à la ( def. ), tout ensemble ( def. ), hour ( def. ) )

Example Sentences

For which, hitch, ditch, bitch, snitch and kitch, kitchy-koo, cranks will give thanks, thankfully thanks will be given by cranks, to you, toodle-oo, pooh.

From Time Magazine Archive

“Yes, well, Henry, Richard, here we are. Lovely. Fine. Thank you so much—beautiful lunch—well, toodle-oo, yes, yes, goodbye—” The door slammed and he shot up the walk at a rapid clip.

From "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt

In that case," said Archie, relieved, "cheerio, good luck, pip-pip, toodle-oo, and good-bye-ee!

From Indiscretions of Archie by Wodehouse, P. G. (Pelham Grenville)

Related Words

• adieu
• bye-bye