1 definition by MinniebytheSea
A silly way of saying “goodbye,” when you or someone else is leaving. It commands a response... “After while, crocodile.”
Originating in the 1950s, the correct response to “See you later, alligator!” is “After while, crocodile!” It is NOT “In a while, crocodile,” or even “After a while, crocodile.” As with most phrases and expressions, accuracy often gets lost through the years, like a giant game of telephone, so nowadays you will hear it said all three ways, but there is an original, correct way. “AFTER WHILE, crocodile!” :)
*Listen to the song, “See You Later, Alligator,” by Bill Haley and the Comets, for reference.
Originating in the 1950s, the correct response to “See you later, alligator!” is “After while, crocodile!” It is NOT “In a while, crocodile,” or even “After a while, crocodile.” As with most phrases and expressions, accuracy often gets lost through the years, like a giant game of telephone, so nowadays you will hear it said all three ways, but there is an original, correct way. “AFTER WHILE, crocodile!” :)
*Listen to the song, “See You Later, Alligator,” by Bill Haley and the Comets, for reference.
by MinniebytheSea June 28, 2018