• cannedtunaEnglish
    12·
    15 days ago

    Would have thought this was made up, but sure enough

    good-bye

    salutation in parting, also goodbye, good bye, good-by, 1590s, from godbwye (1570s), a contraction of God be with ye (late 14c.)

    Interestingly linked

    adieu (interj.)

    late 14c., adewe, from Old French a Dieu, a Deu, shortened from phrases such as a dieu (vous) commant “I commend (you) to God,”

    • Obi@sopuli.xyzEnglish
      4·
      15 days ago

      Now that I think of it, is there an English equivalent for “adieu”? Because French also has “au revoir” which is used more like goodbye, “adieu” carries a meaning of finality, if you say this, you know you will never see that person again, it’s quite heavy and not used very frequently at all.

      • NoSpotOfGroundEnglish
        3·
        15 days ago

        “Farewell” works for that purpose in English. And since you reminded me, that’s the meaning of “sayonara” too – you’re not supposed to use it for casual goodbyes.