Farewells have never been so fascinating! The expression “I’m glad something/someone is gone” might seem contemporary and a bit rude, but it actually traces back to the late eighteenth century where it took the form of “happy riddance.” Beyond timeless, this phrase has evolved but still embraces the same sentiment: a strong relief that something or someone has exited stage left.
Synonyms and Related Terms
- Good riddance
- So long, farewell
- Don’t let the door hit you on the way out
- Hasta la vista, baby
Common Phrases and Idioms
- A sigh of relief
- Kiss it goodbye
- Time to hit the road
- Hasta la vista, baby
Informative Tidbits
- Proverb: “Good riddance to bad rubbish.”
- Humor-filled Quote: “It’s all fun and games until someone leaves and you get relief!”
- Suggestion for Further Reading: “Parting is Such Sweet Sorrow: Great Goodbyes in Literature” by Harriet Lea
Literature, Songs, Poetry, and Movies
- Books: “The Parting Glass” by John McLoughlin, “Goodbye Without Leaving” by Laurie Colwin
- Songs: “Goodbye Stranger” by Supertramp, “Hit the Road Jack” by Ray Charles
- Poetry: “Adieu, Farewell Earth’s Bliss” by Thomas Nashe
- Movies: “The Goodbye Girl” directed by Herbert Ross, “Gone with the Wind” (a notable title indeed!)
Quizzes
### Which of these phrases signifies relief at someone's departure?
- [x] Good riddance
- [ ] Never gonna give you up
- [ ] Hello again
- [ ] Bienvenue
> **Explanation:** "Good riddance" expresses pleasure or relief due to someone or something's departure. Conversational, but clear.
### True or False: "Don't let the door hit you on the way out" is a polite way to wish someone farewell.
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** It's a sarcastic farewell, signaling that the departure is welcome and perhaps giving an additional nudge toward the exit.
### Identify the phrase that's synonymous with "happy riddance."
- [ ] Hasta la mañana
- [ ] For whom the bell tolls
- [x] Good riddance
- [ ] Hello sunshine
> **Explanation:** Both "happy riddance" and "good riddance" reflect the joy of seein' them go. Hasta la mañana means "until tomorrow," which isn’t the same.
### "Hasta la vista, baby" was popularized by which movie?
- [x] Terminator 2: Judgement Day
- [ ] The Sound of Music
- [ ] Casablanca
- [ ] Titanic
> **Explanation:** This iconic phrase was popularized by Arnold Schwarzenegger in "Terminator 2: Judgement Day."
May your farewells be as sweet as your hellos, but don’t forget to savor the sigh of relief that sometimes accompanies a hearty “good riddance!”
Waving off into the sunset 🌅, Felicity Farewellson
