"See You Later" (1869, 1875); C U L8er (1990)

[Patti J. Kurtz]

Bapopik at AOL.COM wrote:

>---------------------- Information from the mail header -----------------------
>Sender:       American Dialect Society <ADS-L at LISTSERV.UGA.EDU>
>Poster:       Bapopik at AOL.COM
>Subject:      "See You Later" (1869, 1875); C U L8er (1990)
>-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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>    =20
>Ben Zimmer writes:
>...
>Here are a few more early cites, suggesting that "see you later" came  to
>be recognized as an idiomatic American sendoff in the  1880s:
>
>-----
>1881 _Bucks Co. Gazette_ (Pa.) 10 Feb. 1/3 "Tain't  six -- that's a fact,"
>said one of the young fellows. "Come along,  boys; Miss Dustin's right. See
>you later." With this and a laugh they  walked away.
>...
>...
>...
>...
>Wright American Fiction has one cite from 1869 and several from 1875.  I=20
>wouldn't date "see you later" later than 1875.
>...
>...
>
>
Just wanted to thank everyone for the help on this one.  My novel's set
in 1889, so it looks like I'm okay using this phrase.  You've all been a
great help!

Patti Kurtz
Minot State University


Freeman - And what drives you on, fighting the monster?



Straker - I don't know, something inside me I guess.



Freeman - It's called dedication.



Straker - Pig-headedness would be nearer.