- An informal and friendly way to say goodbye, similar to See you later.
- Implies you expect or intend to interact with the person again at some later time.
Explanation
Origin
- Popularized in American English, likely around the mid-20th century.
- Catch suggests meeting or connecting with someone again.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
- See the comprehensive list under expressions 0078-0090 and the general 'Alternatives for Farewells' section below 0090.
Situational Appropriateness
- Informal.
- Common among friends, colleagues, and acquaintances in casual settings.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Low risk. Clearly understood as an informal goodbye.
Examples
- I have to run to my next appointment. Catch you later!
- Great chat! Catch you later.
- Alright, I'm heading out. Catch you later.
Dialogue
Sam: Need to finish this report before I leave.
Alex: Okay, no problem. I'm heading off now. Catch you later!
Sam: Sounds good. Later!
Social Media Examples
- Signing off from an online game: GG everyone, gotta go. Catch you later.
- Ending a work chat message: Will review the document tonight. Catch you later.
Response Patterns
- Later!
- See ya!
- Alright, catch ya.
- You too.
- Take it easy.
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
- None typically. Signals the end of the interaction.
Conversation Starter
- No. It ends a conversation.
Intonation
- Friendly, casual tone.
- Stress often on Catch and la-(ter). Catch you later.
- Falling intonation.
Generation Differences
- Widely used and understood, perhaps slightly more characteristic of Gen X and Millennials, but still common.
Regional Variations
- Very common in American English.
- Understood and sometimes used in other English-speaking regions, but perhaps less frequent than See you later.