My daughter and I were saying toodle-oo the other day on the
phone and it got me to thinking about the origins of the word, which
I often find fascinating. Here's what I found at Take Our Word For It.
Number two is my guess.
Toodle-oo was originally tootle-oo and first appeared
in writing between 1905 and 1907. There are several
theories as to its origin:
in writing between 1905 and 1907. There are several
theories as to its origin:
1. It comes from the word tootle meaning "to depart",
which itself comes colloquially from toddle "to walk
sometimes", as a toddler does;
2. It is a Cockney corruption of French à tout à l'heure
"I'll see you soon"; or
3. It arose as an onomatopoeic imitation of the old
bulb-blown horns found on early motor cars
(like the one that Harpo Marx used so effectively),
which were often sounded on departing.
which itself comes colloquially from toddle "to walk
sometimes", as a toddler does;
2. It is a Cockney corruption of French à tout à l'heure
"I'll see you soon"; or
3. It arose as an onomatopoeic imitation of the old
bulb-blown horns found on early motor cars
(like the one that Harpo Marx used so effectively),
which were often sounded on departing.
Leave it to Americans to bastardize a saying so effectively! Although I do think British when I hear it...maybe it's the Brit's fault!
ReplyDeleteI choose option number two. It reminds me of Eliza Dolittle's father.
ReplyDeleteWell we used that phrase all the time in England but I have to admit I don't recall ever seeing it written.
ReplyDeleteI always thought of 'the jazz age' when using/hearing it - those lovely old motor cars with running boards and jump seats, bob-haired flappers, cream flannel trousers. What a time that was - wish I had been there!
I LOVE this post! Maybe because I often sign a quick note with "Toodles," or maybe because that photo is so hilarious, too, but it's wonderful, anyway! Interesting--I'll bet you're right about its origins. Sounds reasonable to me. Great post.
ReplyDeleteFunny image and interesting post. And now can you tell us the origin of "Ta, ta" ?
ReplyDeleteWillow...I haven't heard that expression in ages...but it reminded me so of my friend Josie...she is British...and she says Toodles now and then when we are parting from a phone conversation...
ReplyDeleteA fun memory...old Harpo :)
Great post! It does bring to mind "British" to me as well when I hear it...
ReplyDeleteOh Willow, I use "toodles" all the time....but never once have given any thought to the origins....but now I know (at least I have my pick of theories) and I'm glad....thank you for this informative post.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the smiles! I'm with you, I would venture to guess that the origin of the saying is theory number two.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting! I choose number 2, too! Funny pic of Mr. Marx!
ReplyDeleteVery interesting, thanks for the education!
ReplyDeleteVery interesting Willow! Are you familiar with "A Word A Day"? http://wordsmith.org/awad/
ReplyDeleteAnu sends such interesting words and their origins to your e-mail box every day for free!
This weeks theme, interestingly enough, is "words borrowed from Irish" ;-)
Strange, isn't it, that we use words or phrases....we all understand, but we never consider where it came from. Hmmmmm
ReplyDeleteBy the way.....it's probably French...just my guess.
ReplyDeleteYour Stone Fruit Cobbler looks yummy....I wish I had some; but until then...."Toodle-loo"
ReplyDeleteThe Bach
I love this word too :-)
ReplyDeletePretty cool. I think #2 is a safe bet!
ReplyDeleteI have another theory: it's short for "I have to toddle off (or 'toodle') to the loo now!"
ReplyDeleteYour blog title showed up on my new blogroll and got me worried. I thought you were saying goodbye to the blog world, and after I had just found your site which would have really been a downer as it adds such warmth to my blog ventures!
That’s most interesting. Of course, I find words, their meanings, and especially their derivation fascinating. Thanks for the research.
ReplyDeleteThat’s most interesting. Of course, I find words, their meanings, and especially their derivation fascinating. Thanks for the research.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your post, Willow. I, too, enjoy discovering the origin of certain words and phrases. I always thought, though, that the expression was "toodle-oo." Anyway, here is a site that might provide a few insights: http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/toodle-oo.html Love the photo!!
ReplyDeletei'm more familiar with the use of "toodles" i guess but definitely think british when i hear it. i like this word origin theme!
ReplyDeleteFascinating, I love etymology!
ReplyDeleteFunny, we were wondering about the other day the origins of the word toodle-pip ... which I guess is another step on from the oo version :)
Totally interesting! I mostly lean towards the last.
ReplyDeleteToot Toot!
Yes, I can see the teens and hipsters having fun with the word.