Til Next Time: Definition, Meaning, and Origin

Last Updated on
June 29, 2023

"Til next time" is an idiom used as a farewell, implying an intention or hope to meet again in the future. It's generally employed in casual conversations among friends, family, or colleagues. It can be used both in spoken and written communication. In essence, it encapsulates a sense of optimism about future encounters.

In short:

"Til next time" is an idiomatic expression used to bid farewell with the expectation of meeting again.

What Does "Til Next Time" Mean?

The phrase "til next time" expresses a desire or anticipation for a future meeting or interaction. The usage of "til" denotes 'until' and the "next time" represents a future encounter. It's a common phrase in English-speaking cultures and is often used in informal settings. While the phrase is common, it can be substituted with other expressions such as "see you soon," "until we meet again," or "goodbye for now." These alternatives carry the same sentiment but can be used based on the speaker's preference.

  • The term imparts a sense of certainty or assurance about a future meeting or encounter.
  • It carries an optimistic tone, suggesting a positive anticipation of the next meeting.
  • The phrase is generally used in casual or informal settings, such as among friends, family, or acquaintances.

Where Does "Til Next Time" Come From?

"Til Next Time" is a common English idiom often used in formal and informal conversations. It's essentially a parting phrase, similar to "goodbye" or "see you later," implying the speaker expects to see or communicate with the other person again. The phrase seems to have originated from the word "till," which is an abbreviation of "until." Both words share a similar meaning, referring to (the point in time or the event mentioned). In this case, it refers to the next time they meet. As for its first use, it's hard to pin down exactly when or where it started being used due to its conversational nature. It has been widely used in literature, speeches, and daily conversation throughout history. In essence, it's a warm and friendly way of saying goodbye with an expectation of meeting again.

Historical Example

"Good-by! Good-by! til we meet again!"

- John Halifax, Gentleman, Dinah Craik, 1856

"The sunne never shon on our enmyes tyl nowe, nor our frendes sawe not us tyl nowe."

- Sir Thomas Malory's Le Morte Darthur, 1485

10 Examples of "Til Next Time" in Sentences

Here are some examples to illustrate the usage of "til next time" in different contexts:

  • Caught in a fix with her car breaking down in the middle of nowhere, she waved me goodbye saying, til next time, with a hopeful smile on her face.
  • She waved goodbye and said, til next time, take care.
  • As he ended the call, he said, til next time, friend.
  • I know it's tough now, and all I can say is hang in there; we'll see brighter days til next time.
  • I can't wait for our paths to cross again. Til next time!
  • They both said Til next time as they parted, knowing they'd meet again.
  • Til next time, dear friend, wishing you all the best in your new endeavors.
  • The email ended with the phrase, til next time.
  • John waved goodbye to his friends, saying Til next time, folks, and, with a smile on his face, added, Can't wait to see you again.
  • It's been a pleasure meeting you. Til next time, he concluded.

Examples of "Til Next Time" in Pop Culture

"Til next time" is often used in various media and pop culture contexts.

Here are a few instances:

  • In the movie "The Farewell Party," a character says, "Til next time," indicating an anticipated reunion.
  • In the popular TV series "Friends," the phrase "Til next time" is often used when characters part ways.
  • In the film "Goodbye Christopher Robin," A.A. Milne uses the phrase "Til next time" to his son.
  • "Til next time" is often used in talk shows like "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" during sign-offs.
  • In the book Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire, the character Travis Maddox says to his love interest Abby Abernathy: "Til next time, Pigeon." This usage indicates the certainty of their paths crossing again.
  • The song "'Til I See You Again "by Carrie Underwood uses this idiom as a promise to meet someone again someday: "…til I see you again, this is not goodbye."
  • The iconic movie Casablanca has Rick saying to Ilsa as they part ways: "Here's looking at you kid… til next time. "
  • In an episode of Friends, Joey Tribbiani signs off his daytime soap opera with these words: "Drake Ramoray will return… til next time. "
  • In the novel The Perks of Being a Wallflower, Charlie writes letters to an unknown friend, often ending them with "Until next time, your friend Charlie."
  • The song "See You Again "by Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth uses this phrase metaphorically while referring to the loss of Paul Walker: "It's been a long day without my friend, and I'll tell you all about it when I see you again."
  • In J.K Rowling's Harry Potter series, Dumbledore says to Harry at the end of their private lesson: "Until next time, Harry."
  • In the reality TV show Keeping Up with the Kardashians, Kim Kardashian often ends her phone calls with the family by saying," Talk to you later, "which also implies 'Until next time. '

Other Ways to Say "Til Next Time"

Several ways convey the same sentiment as "til next time."

Some of these include:

  • Until we meet again.
  • See you later.
  • Goodbye for now.
  • Until next time.
  • See you soon.
  • Take care, see you.
  • Looking forward to our next meeting.
  • Catch you later.
  • Be seeing you.
  • Until then.

10 Frequently Asked Questions About "Til Next Time"

  • What does "til next time" mean?

It's a phrase used as a farewell, suggesting the hope or expectation of meeting again in the future.

  • Can "til next time" be used in formal settings?

While it's more commonly used in casual or informal contexts, it can be used in formal settings depending on the nature of the relationship between the parties involved.

  • What is the origin of "til next time"?

It's difficult to trace the exact origin of this phrase, but it is a derivative of common English farewell phrases and likely emerged from casual spoken English.

  • Are there any other phrases that convey the same sentiment?

Yes, phrases like "until we meet again", "see you soon", "goodbye for now" convey similar sentiments.

  • Is "til next time" used in other languages?

While the exact phrase may not be used, most languages have their own equivalent phrases expressing the same sentiment.

  • Can "til next time" be used in written communication?

Yes, "til next time" can be used in both spoken and written communication, especially in informal contexts.

  • Is "til next time" used in pop culture?

Yes, the phrase is commonly used in movies, TV shows, podcasts, and other forms of media.

  • Is it appropriate to use "til next time" in professional emails?

Depending on the relationship and context, it can be used. However, more formal phrases are generally preferred in professional communication.

  • What emotions does the phrase "til next time" generally convey?

It generally conveys a sense of optimism and positive anticipation for a future meeting or encounter.

  • Is "til next time" outdated?

No, "til next time" is still commonly used in casual conversations and informal written communication.

Final Thoughts About "Til Next Time"

The idiom "til next time" is a popular, optimistic, and casual way to express the anticipation of a future encounter. Its wide use in daily conversations, written communication, and media illustrates its relevance and popularity. It's a simple yet profound way of conveying the hope and expectation of meeting again, contributing to its ongoing use in the English language.

  • "Til next time" is a common farewell phrase expressing the expectation or hope of meeting again.
  • It is used in both spoken and written communication and is often seen in media and pop culture.
  • Alternatives such as "until we meet again," "see you soon," and "goodbye for now" can be used based on the speaker's preference.
  • Despite its informal and casual nature, it is recognized and understood universally across English-speaking cultures.

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