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.
Bob: “See you later, alligator!”
Jane: “After while,
crocodile!”