Greetings & Farewells

Hello, goodbye, and everything in between

Introduction

The British have elevated the simple act of saying hello and goodbye into an art form. From the cheerful "Alright?" (which isn't really a question) to the multipurpose "Cheers" (which can mean anything from thanks to goodbye), these greetings reveal the British talent for efficient, understated communication.

What's fascinating is how much meaning is packed into these short exchanges. "You alright?" between friends is warm and caring. "How do you do?" at a formal event signals respect and distance. Knowing which to use, and when, is key to navigating British social life.

This chapter covers the phrases you'll hear at the start and end of every British conversation—from the casual nods between neighbors to the formal farewells at the end of business meetings.

Themes

All British Slang & Idioms in This Chapter (69)

• Hiya A friendly, casual way to say hello
• How do? A Northern English greeting meaning 'How do you do?'
• How's it going? A casual greeting asking how someone is
• What's up? A casual greeting meaning 'Hello' or 'What's happening?'
• G'day An Australian greeting meaning 'Good day' or 'Hello'
• How ya going? An Australian greeting meaning 'How are you?'
• What's the craic? An Irish greeting meaning 'What's happening?' or 'What's the news?'
• Cheers A British multipurpose word meaning 'thanks,' 'goodbye,' or a toast
• Ta A casual British word for 'thank you'
• Ta-ta A casual, slightly old-fashioned British way to say goodbye
• Toodle-oo A playful, old-fashioned British farewell
• Cheerio A British farewell meaning 'Goodbye'
• See ya A casual way to say 'Goodbye, see you later'
• Later A very casual farewell meaning 'See you later'
• Take it easy A casual farewell meaning 'Relax and take care'
• Catch you later A casual farewell meaning 'I'll see you again soon'
• All the best A warm farewell wishing someone well
• Good on ya An Australian expression meaning 'Well done' or 'Good for you'
• Lovely to meet you A warm British way to acknowledge meeting someone
• Howdy An American informal greeting, especially associated with the South and West
• Y'all American Southern contraction of 'you all'
• Morning A casual way to say 'Good morning'
• Afternoon A casual way to say 'Good afternoon'
• Evening A casual way to say 'Good evening'
• Night A casual way to say 'Good night'
• Safe travels A well-wish for someone about to travel
• Stay in touch A farewell asking someone to keep in contact
• Looking forward to it Expressing anticipation for a future event or meeting
• Long time no see A greeting for someone you haven't seen in a while
• Pleasure meeting you A polite phrase said when meeting someone for the first time
• How's tricks? A casual British greeting meaning 'How are things going?'
• Have a good one A casual farewell meaning 'Have a good day/time'
• Speak soon A farewell implying you'll talk again soon
• Mind how you go A British farewell meaning 'Be careful' or 'Take care'
• Pip pip An old-fashioned, upper-class British farewell
• Hooroo An Australian informal farewell
• Sláinte An Irish toast meaning 'Health' or 'Cheers'
• Ciao A borrowed Italian word used as a casual hello or goodbye
• Ay Up Hello/Hi (Northern English greeting).
• Watcha What are you up to? (Cockney greeting).
• How Ya Goin'? How are you? (Australian).
• Now Then Hello (Yorkshire greeting).
• Laters See you later (casual goodbye).
• Toodles Goodbye (playful).
• Safe Goodbye/okay/cool (youth slang).
• Wagwan What's going on? (greeting).
• Peace Out Goodbye (casual).
• Catch Ya Later See you later (casual).
• I'm Off I'm leaving (departure announcement).
• Must Dash I have to leave quickly.
• How Goes It? How are things? (greeting).
• What Ho Hello (old-fashioned British).
• Yo Hey/Hello (casual greeting).
• Sup What's up? (casual greeting).
• Mwah Air kiss sound (greeting/farewell).
• Hey Up Hello/Watch out (Northern greeting).
• Aye Aye Hello (Northern/Scottish).
• All Right Then Okay, goodbye (departure phrase).
• Well Then Used to signal end of conversation.
• Lovely to See You Nice to see you (warm greeting).
• Keeping Well? Are you well? (greeting).
• Right Then Okay, let's proceed/I'm leaving.
• Be Seeing You I'll see you later (farewell).
• Goodnight Farewell for the evening/night.
• Night Night Goodnight (informal, often childish).
• right then transition phrase or goodbye
• anyway... transition to leaving
• many happy returns birthday greeting
• hello stranger greeting for someone not seen recently