Also by-by(e, bye bye, 8 b’uy b’uy and simply b’y. A colloquial and nursery variant of GOOD-BYE.
1709. Tatler, No. 2. For Hat and Sword He’d call, Then, after a faint Kiss,—cry, B’y, Dear Moll: Supper and Friends expect me.
1736. Bailey, By by, us’d familiarly, and chiefly to Children, instead of Good by or God be with you.
a. 1745. Swift, Wks. (1768), VI. 320. B’uy, B’uy, Nic, not one poor smile at parting.
1777. Sheridan, Sch. Scand., III. i. I shall … interrupt you—so bye! bye!
1872. Lever, Ld. Kilgobbin, xiv. (1875), 95. ‘By-by!’ said Atlee, carelessly, and he strolled away.
