What it means
A chirpy, slightly old-school way to say goodbye. It’s very British and often lands with a warm little wink, a touch posh, or that playful auntie-shopkeeper energy. People use it when they’re heading off without any drama. Softer than farewell, more characterful than plain bye.
Usage examples
"Right then, I’m nipping to the corner shop, cheerio. If you bump into Dave, remind him he owes me a tenner and some crisps."
"Cheerio darling, I am off to the post office to send the parcel to your cousin in Sheffield, the queue better not be down the street like last Tuesday morning."
"Cheerio everyone at the school gate, I will see you tomorrow at the same hour, and do not forget the football kit for Wednesday afternoon training session with Coach Phil."
"Cheers for popping by, love. Cheerio then, and mind the rain on your way home."
"I’m off before this meeting turns into a full afternoon saga. Cheerio, folks."
Where it comes from
Cheerio is recorded in British English from the early 1900s as a friendly send-off linked to cheer, with that bouncy -o ending that turns plain words jaunty. It stuck in everyday UK speech as a bright, polite goodbye and still carries that slightly old-fashioned sparkle now.
Other ways to say it
Editors of this term
Shy Star Courier Official watcher of this expression
Tell me, what have you got for me?