int. A nursery expression for ‘Good-bye’; also used playfully by adults.
1837. Dickens, Pickw., xxvii. ‘Tar, tar, Sammy,’ replied his father.
1878. F. C. Burnand, Strapmore, i. 15. Ta-ta, little one très cher! Bye-bye.
1891. Lucy B. Walford, Mischief of Monica, III. 171. ‘Ta-ta,’ and the speaker slipped behind backs and vanished.
1904. Pinero, Letty, 28. Ta-ta! [He leaves them, closing the door upon them.]
