The common British farewell greeting “cheerio” has become a stereotypical way that English people say goodbye. But where does this peculiar term come from and why do the English use it?
The Origins and History of “Cheerio”
“Cheerio” first emerged as a slang term in the early 20th century. One of the earliest known uses was in a 1917 novel which had a character say “Cheerio” as a parting greeting. It became more popular after being used by British soldiers in the trenches during World War I as a version of “goodbye” and “good luck”.
The term is thought to derive from the word “cheery” and refer to being in a cheerful mood. An early theory is that it came from the Cheeryble brothers in Charles Dickens’ novel Nicholas Nickleby, published in 1839. The Cheeryble brothers were two very kind and optimistic characters who always bade each other “cheery-bye” instead of “goodbye”.
However, most linguistic experts believe “cheerio” actually has its roots in the word “cheero”, which was slang used by British public schoolboys in the 19th century. “Cheero” was a casual way of saying hello or goodbye to your friends.
Use During World War I
While “cheerio” was around in the 19th century, it became truly popularized during World War I. British soldiers adopted the upbeat “cheerio” as a way to say goodbye to loved ones and comrades when going off to fight in the trenches. It had a connotation of “I’m cheerful, you be cheerful too!” in the context of the horrors of war.
In a 1914 war memoir, one British soldier wrote: “We’re saying ‘Cheerio’ a hundred times a day. Probably that’s where we picked it up from. It’s a new word. At least it was new to me when I joined the army last November.”
Using “cheerio” became a way for soldiers to put on a brave, positive attitude as they faced their difficult duties. It was a proxy for saying “keep your chin up” or “keep calm and carry on”.
Continued Use After World War I
Even after World War I ended, “cheerio” stuck around in British vocabulary. It had spread through all levels of society from the trenches to the homefront. Throughout the 1920s, 1930s and 1940s, “cheerio” became a standard informal way of saying goodbye in England.
English newspapers, radio shows, films and literature frequently included characters bidding each other “cheerio”. By the 1950s, one etiquette manual said using “cheerio” was acceptable in all but the most formal situations.
In the United States, “cheerio” was also sometimes used but remained more of an “English thing”. American cultural exports like films, radio and TV shows set in England helped reinforce “cheerio” as a British idiom.
Table of Milestones in the Popularity of “Cheerio”
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1839 | “Cheery-bye” used in Charles Dickens’ Nicholas Nickleby |
| Late 1800s | “Cheero” slang popular among British schoolboys |
| 1917 | Earliest known use of “cheerio” in published writing |
| World War I | “Cheerio” widely used by British soldiers |
| 1920s-40s | “Cheerio” grows in broader British society |
| 1950s | Seen as acceptable in all but most formal situations |
Characteristics and Usage of “Cheerio”
By the mid-20th century, “cheerio” had become entrenched as a quintessential British farewell. It had several distinctive characteristics and ways it was used:
- Informal – “Cheerio” was not used in very formal or professional situations. But it was acceptable among friends, family and in casual interactions.
- Familiar – It implied a sense of familiarity between the speaker and listener. Not typically used with strangers.
- Upbeat mood – The word itself implied a cheerful, bright mood. This could be sincere or feigned.
- Casual tone – The breezy informality of “cheerio” set a casual, relaxed tone for the interaction.
- Parting phrase – “Cheerio” was specifically used when parting ways from someone. It acted as a conversational bookend signaling the end of the interaction.
Some examples of typical “cheerio” usage:
- Co-workers bidding each other “cheerio” and good weekend at the end of a workday
- Friends saying “cheerio” as one leaves the pub or when hanging up the phone
- A patient telling the doctor “cheerio” at the end of an appointment
- Family members saying “cheerio” as they depart after a visit
Interpretations of “Cheerio” by Americans
While “cheerio” remains primarily a Britishism, American exposure to British culture through books, film and television has made it familiar to Americans as part of a stereotyped “English” way of speaking. However, some key differences in interpretation exist:
- Seen as very formal – Americans may see “cheerio” as fancier and more formal than the British do. Some misinterpret it as a fancy upper-class greeting.
- Associated with butlers/servants – Portrayals of English butlers and servants bidding families “cheerio” reinforce this perception of formality.
- Seen as effeminate by some Americans – Particularly in the mid-20th century, some Americans perceived “cheerio” as prissy, effeminate or pretentious.
- Interpreted as sarcastic – The chipper mood of “cheerio” can come off as sarcastic or patronizing to American ears in some contexts.
So while many Americans are familiar with “cheerio” from British pop culture, they may misunderstand its conversational role in England as more formal, upper-class or sarcastic than it really is.
Table of American vs. British Perceptions of “Cheerio”
| American Perception | British Perception |
|---|---|
| Very formal | Informal |
| Snooty upper-class | Neutral class connotation |
| Sarcastic | Sincere |
| Effeminate | Gender-neutral |
“Cheerio” in 21st Century Britain
While “cheerio” may seem like a dusty antique, it remains in common use as a conversational farewell in modern Britain. However, some aspects of its usage and connotations have evolved.
- Less common with younger generation – Younger Brits use “cheerio” much less frequently, preferring “see ya” or other casual farewells.
- Slightly old-fashioned – It has acquired a somewhat quaint and old-fashioned feeling, evoking older eras of British culture.
- Mostly reserved for familiar relationships – Its use implies a familiarity that doesn’t necessarily exist with more distant relationships today.
- Occasionally used ironically/humorously – Some younger Brits may say “cheerio” in an exaggerated way to be funny and ironic.
So while “cheerio” has declined from its peak ubiquity in the mid-20th century, it remains a nostalgic shorthand for conveying traditional English cheerfulness and pluck when parting ways.
Conclusion
“Cheerio” first gained popularity among British soldiers during World War I as a way to signal a cheery, brave attitude despite the horrors of war. After the war, it caught on across British society as a relaxed, informal way to say goodbye to friends, family, coworkers and acquaintances.
Americans came to see “cheerio” as a signature quirk of British speech, though they often perceive it as more formal and upper-class than it really is. While its use has declined among younger Brits, “cheerio” remains a warm, upbeat way for familiar associates to part on a positive note, conjuring nostalgia for the British stiff upper lip in times gone by. So the next time you hear a British character in a movie bid someone “cheerio”, you can appreciate the cultural history behind this peculiar farewell.