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Etymology Journal ยท S

Smell you later!

Meaning

A sarcastic or slightly rude way of saying goodbye. It implies that the person leaving is not someone you are sad to see go.

Sarcastic, dismissive

Used in a sentence

  • I am heading out to the party, smell you later!
  • She laughed and said, smell you later, to the group of annoying guys.
  • If you cannot follow the rules, then smell you later.

The backstory

Popularized in the 90s through teen television and movies, this was the go-to line for characters looking to be dismissive. It remains a way to show a lack of concern.

Heard in

Nationwide

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