cheerio

Everyday

1. (UK, informal) Goodbye, said in a friendly, cheerful way. tree →
2. (Australia, informal) A small red cocktail sausage, often served at children's parties (also called a little boy or saveloy in some places). tree →
3. (a name) Cheerios is a brand of breakfast cereal shaped like little rings. tree →

In the lessons

In British and Irish talk, and in older stories, people wave and say «Cheerio!» when leaving. In Australia and parts of New Zealand, cheerios are little sausages eaten with tomato sauce at parties. It tells the reader someone is leaving happily, or names a party food. Similar: «bye», «cheers», «ta-ra».

Examples

• "Cheerio, see you tomorrow!" called Gran from the door. tree →
• We said cheerio to our cousins at the station. tree →
• At the birthday party we ate cheerios with tomato sauce. tree →
• "Cheerio then!" said the postman as he left. tree →
• In the old film everyone said cheerio instead of goodbye. tree →
• I had a bowl of Cheerios for breakfast. tree →

Note

Informal, a bit old-fashioned in the UK but still heard. Spelled «cheerio» (not cheerioh). The cereal is «Cheerios» with a capital C because it is a brand name. Do not confuse with «cheers», which in the UK can mean thanks, goodbye, or what you say when clinking glasses.