The Archive

Etymology Journal · W

We should do this again sometime

Meaning

A polite way to end a social interaction regardless of whether you actually want to see the person again. It functions more as a courteous sign-off than a concrete plan.

Polite, non-committal

Used in a sentence

  • It was great catching up at the park, we should do this again sometime.
  • We should do this again sometime after you get back from your trip.
  • That dinner was lovely, we should do this again sometime.

The backstory

This is a quintessential American social lubricant that emerged in the 20th century. It is likely a polite invention to prevent awkward goodbyes.

Heard in

Nationwide

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