Don’t Make it Bitter: 101 Different Ways to Say Goodbye

Don’t Make it Bitter: 101 Different Ways to Say Goodbye

Farewells are hard, so ditch the basic goodbyes and do your final hurrah in style.

Reviewed by Chris Rabanera, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist Chris Rabanera Chris Rabanera Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist facebook_icontwitter_iconlinkedin_iconinsta_icon
Written by , Integrated MA, Certified Relationship Coach Sneha Tete Integrated MA, Certified Relationship Coach linkedin_icon Experience: 4 years
Edited by , MA (English) Asmita De MA (English) Experience: 3 years
 • 

Very few seem to realize that there are numerous ways to say goodbye! If you are tired of saying goodbye, bye, or ciao the same way, it is time to mix things up a little. There are many amusing methods to leave an impression on the person you are seeing off.

We have all learned that not all goodbyes are joyful. They might be lighthearted at times, but they can also be heartbreaking. When it is someone you care about, and you don’t want to offend them, you have to think about saying goodbye. If you find yourself asking, ‘How do I say goodbye?’, all you need to do is pick one of the 101 simple and efficient ways to bid farewell from below. Keep scrolling!

Why Are Goodbyes So Hard?

Bidding farewell is an inevitable and inescapable part of life. Whether it is the end of school, a relationship, or a major milestone, goodbyes often evoke a mix of feelings. The sense of finality and uncertainty that come with goodbyes can trigger feelings of loss, nostalgia, and even separation.

Goodbyes often create a sense of emptiness and force us to face changes, making them inherently difficult. However, we have got you covered with some funny and beautiful ways to say goodbye that won’t feel heavy on the heart! Check out the next section now.

101 Ways To Say Goodbye

Funny Ways To Say Goodbye

Two friends parting ways outside a park by exchanging funny goodbye remarks
Image: Created with Dall.E

Are you not a fan of the whole mush while bidding farewell to somebody? If you want to make the whole thing extremely memorable, here are some simple and fun ways to say goodbye:

1. See ya later, alligator!

Easily one of the high school types statements that you must have heard! It is also a 1950s rock song and one of the oldest ways to bid farewell.

2. Gotta run, buttercup!

While farewell is anyway a term associated with sad goodbyes, ‘Gotta run, buttercup!’ is another pick in our repository that is playful and endearing. It is a lighthearted way of bidding the other person a fun goodbye.

3. Catch you on the sunny side, eggcellent!

It is a casual way of telling your gang or your loved ones that you’d be back before they know it! Want to go for a run? CYONTSSE is the ideal abbreviation you are looking to tell people that a jiffy is all they need to wait for you.

4. Catch you on the flip side!

Generally used by DJs, this term basically implies the reverse side of a vinyl record. It means that they’d perhaps see you after the planned performance is over. But you can use it as a fun way to say goodbye.

5. Don’t get run over!

This is for people who do not like to overdo the mush factor. It is a subtle way to imply that” I want you to be safe, but I am not going to do the whole conventional, take care drama with you!” Use it with people you are pally with and not just anybody.

6. Sayonara, suckers!

Ahem, this is not a very recommended way to say goodbye to somebody. But, again, if the person you are parting with has the stomach for such slang, by all means, go ahead with this farewell greeting.

7. Cheerio

The word is quite self-explanatory! All you need to do to say goodbye, be happy in a fun way is to say something like, “Cheerio, see you Friday!”

8. I need to scoot!

Another simple slang for “I gotta go,” this one implies urgency and is easily one of the most casual and fun ways to say goodbye.It is generally used during phone conversations or casual meet-ups and is definitely your friend when you do not want to overdo the bye-bye.

9. Long live and prosper!

More than fun, this is historic fun! It is a very royal way to tell people to have a great life and prosper in all that they do! So, yes, you can use it as a classy way to say goodbye.

10. Catch you on the rebound.

Okay, so this is ideal for people who want to postpone the next meeting, perhaps indefinitely. Catch you on the rebound is simply a way of saying that I’d see you around, today, tomorrow, or maybe never.

11. Okay bye, fry guy!

Have a friend who frequents food places with you? Then, you can simply use this food-centric phrase to end your current food escapade. Obviously, since it has fries in it, nothing can go wrong, right?

The other three ways are extremely fun, but they are more for people who love animals or kids. Simply use these phrases to say goodbye and let your child get out of the door without any hard feelings of separation.

12. Out to the door, dinosaur!
13. See you soon, raccoon!
14. Goodbye, crocodile!

Best Ways To Say Goodbye

Two friends hugging each other as they say goodbye
Image: Shutterstock

The following section covers the formal and best ways to bid farewell. These are conventional, but still hold a lot of value in formal and semi-formal conversations. You have heard them and most likely use them. But if you want to move away from your usual bye-bye, here are phrases you can use:

15. Take it easy.

Do you feel life is being too hard on a colleague? Want to give them a verbal fist-bump sort of motivation? Then, Take it Easy is definitely the right option for you.

16. Have a good one!

Easily one of the best ways to say goodbye, this one is all about wishing someone well in a fun way. We generally use this before seeing somebody off on a date or a trip.

17. Have a nice day/week.

You can simply let the other person know that you wish them well and want them to have a good day or week. You don’t usually use this for people who are too close to you, but an acquaintance would appreciate this wish quite a bit.

18. Until next time!

Until next time is a good way of saying that somebody would stay in your memory, and you are sort of looking forward to meeting or speaking to them next.

19. Keep in touch.

You’d see a lot of these flying around, especially during reunions and such events. This is to let the other person know that you would like to stay updated about their whereabouts, but not necessarily all the time.

20. I gotta take off!

This is one of the best ways to say goodbye when neither of you is able to decide how to end the meeting. Simply say, “I gotta take off” without any further clarification about what you need to do.

21. Talk to you later.

Hey yo, I M generation? This is definitely a phrase you know way too well. Talk to you later is a simple way of saying goodbye until the next conversation crops up. It’s a subtle way to imply that you would speak to them but without any time frame.

22. I’ve got to get going.

This one is quite self-explanatory, right? Nothing gets as simple as that. We are fans of transparency and straightforwardness, hence, it is defined in the best ever manner possible.

23. Farewell!

It can be perhaps your last word before you really move out the door. Again, in the category of simple and to-the-point phrases, this one literally never fails us!

24. Peace out!

We would highly recommend this phrase when you want to end a heated argument or conversation. This can be over text, on the phone, or even in person. It is you just saying that enough now, let’s end this on a simple note without any hard feelings.

25. Bon voyage, but don’t make it a lengthy one!

This is generally to let the other person know that you do not want them to stay away for too long. Simply keep your separation a bit short and come back for a delightful conversation as soon as it fancies them.

The remaining three ways are the most tried and tested best ways to say goodbye:

26. I look forward to our next meeting.
27. Thanks and Warm regards
28. Goodnight!

Cool Ways To Say Goodbye

Two friends sharing a cool handshake as they say goodbye
Image: Shutterstock

Here are some of the coolest ways to say goodbye! The first five are quite common and are perfect to use with your friends’ circle:

29. Adios, Hippos!
30. I’m off like a dirty shirt!
31. In a while, crocodile!
32. Hasta lasagna, don’t get any on ya.
33. So long, suckers!
34. Adios, Amigos!
35. Toodaloo, Caribou!

The following are slightly more unique and less used. But, if you are looking for funny and cool ways to say goodbye, pick one from the following repository:

36. Take it easy, greasy! You’ve got a long way to slide.
37. Love, peace, and chicken grease!
38. Don’t get lost on your way to class!
39. Catch ya later, future dudes!
40. Don’t let the door hit ya where the good lord split ya.
41. Later, potato!
42. Shine on, you crazy diamonds.

Cute Ways To Say Goodbye

Two friends saying goodye in a cute way
Image: Shutterstock

Looking for cute ways to say goodbye to your crush or your loved ones? Well, the following ways are definitely some of the most adorable options for you. A lot of them involve animals, and a lot of them are quite expressive too.

43. Asta la vista, baby!
44. So long, King Kong!
45. Toodles
46. Tootle-loo, Kangaroo!
47. Later, tater!
48. Keep in touch
49. Take care, love!
50. Bye, see you soon, muah!
51. Happy Trails
52. Time to scoot, little newt!

protip_icon Trivia

Spanish farewell “Hasta la vista,” which translates as “Until the view,” is typically interpreted to mean “Until the (next) time we see each other.” It is also a catchphrase used by the titular character of the 1991 movie Terminator 2: Judgment Day starring Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Sarcastic Ways To Say Goodbye

Two friends saying goodbye in a sarcastic manner
Image: Shutterstock

Not big on the whole ‘let’s say goodbye on good terms?’ In fact, for most people who meet regularly, goodbyes are very informal and also extremely simple. So, here are the most sarcastic ways to say goodbye. It shows that you want to keep it fun and not rude. Try them out whenever you want to up your sarcasm game without hurting anybody else:

53. I gotta bounce. See you later!
54. Don’t get attacked by a bear, it’s night-time!
55. Be good, and don’t get caught.
56. Thank you for your cooperation. Farewell.
57. Once more unto the breach, dear friends!
58. Influence everyone in a good way.
59. See ya, wouldn’t wanna be ya!
60. Peace out, girl scout!
61. Chop chop, lollipop!
62. Okay, scoot!
63. Can’t star, blue jay!
64. Later, haters!
65. Have fun storming the castle!
66. Adieu, cockatoo!
67. Give a hug, ladybug!

Creative Ways To Say Goodbye

Goodbyes do not need to be formal. You can get creative and use slang or get sarcastic to add a bit of fun. Whether you are breaking up or ending things with someone, take hints from the following examples. Some of these are movie dialogues, while some are simple phrases. However, do not use them in a formal setting or with people you are not close to.

68. Bye, Felicia!

This is slightly rude, but when you want somebody to get out of your face, it is perhaps the best hint you can give them.

protip_icon Trivia

The phrase “Bye, Felicia!” was first used in a scene starring Angela Means as Felicia in the 1995 American comedy movie, Friday.

69. I am sorry, I can’t, don’t hate me!

This is for people who want to break up on good terms. If you do not want the other person to hold you responsible and yet say bye, this is definitely the best pick for you.

70. Don’t call us, we will call you!

Whenever you sense that the other person may get on your nerves for following up, this is an ideal way to put all the cards on the table. You can simply ensure that they do not sit on your head while you are juggling other things.

71. You haven’t seen the last of me!

This is a beautiful way to say that there is a lot left for the other person to discover. It is not the end, and there is quite a bit the other person can still see.

72. Last call!

This is typically used in flights and all that, but it is more of a final warning before farewells are made. Use it in your real life too to keep the discipline and the fun in tandem.

73. Hate to cut this short.

Whenever you meet a new acquaintance and want to end things on a good note, simply use this term so that you do not have to bother much about them feeling bad.

74. Show’s over!

Well, there is no better way to end a get-together in our eyes. It is definitely one of the most unique ways to say goodbye. It means your time with the other person is done, and you are looking forward to perhaps setting up the next meet-up.

75. Until next millennia!

This is for people who are like, umm.. really boring, and you do not want to see them for a really long time. Also, it is ideal for people who make you feel like any moment of separation from them is like an entire millennium to you. It’s a two-edged sword, so use it wisely in whichever context that suits you.

76. Maybe in another lifetime.

Ideal for couples that did not work out, this is a really heartbreaking way of saying goodbye. All you mean is that you are sad things didn’t turn out the way you expected them to this time around.

77. Peace out!

Yes, we know it is a repetition, but it is still a creative way to say goodbye because people don’t use it as a convention generally.

All of the following terms are self-explanatory. Use them to end things on a good note and keep it simple. They are quite creative and are sure to put a smile on the face of the person you are saying goodbye to!

78. Stay classy!
79. Oh, and in case I don’t see you—good afternoon, good evening, and goodnight!
80. Don’t forget to come back.
81. Blow a kiss, goldfish!
82. You know you love me, XOXO!
83. Parting is such sweet sorrow that I shall say good night till it be tomorrow.
84. Better shake, rattlesnake!
85. Don’t trip on a raindrop.

Goodbye In Other Languages

While the others did not need too much explanation, these ones are definitely unique ways to say goodbye in different languages. Check them out:

86. Shabba Khair

Shabba Khair is a beautiful way to say, “may your night pass well,” or “have a great night” in Urdu. Shab means night, and khair means well.

87. Alvida

Alvida means goodbye in Hindi. Most people use it in a more intense way than casual, but nevertheless, it is a beautiful term and one of the nice ways to say goodbye.

88. Au revoir

Au revoir is the French term for goodbye. But the beautiful part about it? It is never a complete farewell. It implies, Au revoir, until next time!

89. Adios

Any Spanish fans in the house? Adios is a very casual way to bid farewell. It is also one of the sweet ways to say goodbye without involving the mush factor.

90. Bon Voyage

Just an extremely simple way to say that have a good journey in French. It is used for expressing your wishes before someone heads off on a long journey.

91. Sayonara

If you are a little acquainted with Japanese culture, this term is perhaps familiar to you. However, it is not a casual way to say bye. It means more of an ending to a phase sort of a thing.

92. Atsiprasau

Looking for unique ways to say goodbye? Trust the Lithuanian language to do the trick for you. It is a lesser-known way to say goodbye, and you are sure to get a little inquisitive reaction.

93. La revedere

La revedere is another beautiful way to say goodbye to your loved ones. It is a Roman phrase.

94. Dasvidaniya

Dasvidaniya means until the next meeting in Russian.

95. Khuda Hafiz

This is a combination of Persian and Arabic. Khuda means God, and Hafiz means will take care. So, if you want to tell somebody that you would want God to take care of them, this is definitely the best way to say goodbye.

96. Laa Gòn

Trust the Thai always to have something unique to offer. Here is a very oriental way for you to say goodbye to somebody you love!

97. Namaste

Namaste is a dual-purpose phrase. You say it to people when you meet them and also while bidding farewell. It is typically used in India, in the primary language, Hindi.

98. Farvel

The Danish like to keep it simple. They picked an English word, added their accent, and it became their way of saying goodbye! Anybody for Farvel?

99. Ma’a as-salaama

While it is used in the context of goodbye, it means peace be with you. It is definitely a unique way of saying goodbye.

100. Aloha

Feeling exotic? Want to use the tropical expression for goodbye? Then, Aloha is perfect for you to bid farewell in a Hawaiian manner.

101. Auf Wiedersehen

This is a German term for goodbye. However, it is used in a very formal manner.

Niki, a blogger, shared her way of saying goodbye. She wrote, “Goodbyes have always been difficult for me, perhaps more than the average person. When I leave significant places, I place my palm to the ground for a few seconds (risking social awkwardness) to acknowledge my gratitude for the space and the moment of parting (i).”

Infographic: Thoughtful Goodbye Gifts

Goodbyes tend to fall under gray areas as you can’t always estimate the emotional impact of parting ways. However, giving a keepsake or a parting gift is a goodbye tradition that goes way back in history. If you do not want to make a big deal out of it, you can always give something more memorable than grand. It is the gesture that counts.

Check out the infographic below on what kind of thoughtful gifts you can give someone when saying goodbye.

thougtful goodbye gifts (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Like the first impressions, the parting words can also have a lasting influence if used correctly and creatively. Instead of the done-to-death goodbyes, you can take inspiration from world languages and pick phrases from them to make a memorable ( and sometimes, funny) impact on people. For instance, dasvidaniya in Russian, adios in Spanish, and alvida in Hindi are a few interesting ways to bid farewell to someone. Not only foreign languages but English, too, has a treasure trove of phrases that make for the perfect goodbyes. So, step out of your comfort zone and leave your mark every time you exit a conversation!

Make your farewell a memorable one. Learn to say goodbye in English with flair with these 22 variations listed in this video! Pick your favorite for the day.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you say goodbye gracefully?

“Goodbye, take care of yourself” can be a graceful way of saying goodbye. You can also say goodbye in different languages to sound graceful.

How do you say goodbye to a girl?

You can say, “It was lovely to see you again,” or “I shall look forward to meeting you again.”

What is goodbye an abbreviation of?

Goodbye is believed to be a contraction of the phrase “God be with ye.” The word was first recorded in 1573 in a letter by Gabriel Harvey, an English writer and scholar.

Key Takeaways

  • Goodbyes can be difficult but one can bid farewell in many creative ways to make the experience more memorable.
  • Goodbyes are inevitable as we go through life. They can indicate a major milestone such as getting a new job or the end of a certain phase in life such as graduation.
  • One can borrow expressions from different languages such as dasvidaniya in Russian or adios in Spanish to avoid saying goodbye the same way as everyone.

Personal Experience: Source

Was this article helpful?
thumbsupthumbsdown
The following two tabs change content below.

Latest Articles