“Ta” as a shortened form of “thank you” is primarily a British English colloquialism, particularly common in northern England. Its origin isn’t definitively known, but there are a few theories:
Simplification: The most likely explanation is that it’s simply a shortened, easier-to-pronounce version of “ta-ta” (goodbye), which itself is a reduplication of “ta,” a child’s word for “thank you.” This ties it to the idea of a casual, informal farewell or expression of gratitude.
Influence from other languages: While less likely, there’s a slight possibility of influence from other languages. Some have pointed to similar-sounding words in other languages, but there’s no strong evidence to support a direct borrowing.
Onomatopoeia: Some speculate it might have originated as a sound representing a quick, light gesture of thanks. However, this is also considered less probable.
In essence, “ta” likely arose from the natural human tendency to shorten and simplify frequently used words, particularly in informal settings. Its connection to “ta-ta” (goodbye) and the possible root “ta” (child’s “thank you”) seems the most plausible explanation.
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