Cheerio

Origin

Full definition of cheerio

Interjection

(British, Ireland, New Zealand, Australia, informal) a greeting or parting

Synonyms

(greeting) hello
(parting) goodbye

Usage notes

Rarely used in North America. Although likely to be understood, it is likely to be considered humorous, and may be used in a parody of British English speakers.

Noun

cheerio

(plural cheerios)

(NZ, AU) A small saveloy often consumed with tomato sauce at parties, also known as a cocktail sausage or a little boy.

1978, New Zealand. Parliament. House of Representatives, Parliamentary Debates (page 4230)The man who has gone around the cocktail circuit pounding cheerios to the end of time did not come in here and open his mouth once on the Bill.