Whiteisms
The Archive

Etymology Journal ยท W

Welp, it's about that time

Meaning

An vague excuse to leave that avoids giving a specific reason. It suggests the time for departure is dictated by some mysterious, unspoken schedule.

Vague, folksy

Used in a sentence

  • I have seen enough of this show. Welp, it's about that time.
  • I need to beat the traffic. Welp, it's about that time.
  • The coffee is all gone. Welp, it's about that time.

The backstory

Likely a product of the mid-century American impulse to keep plans vague to avoid hurting feelings. It sounds official without actually being specific.

Heard in

Nationwide

Vibe check