'Cheerio!'

I have been living in the United Kingdom for almost four years. And I have never heard a Brit seriously use the word 'Cheerio' in conversation.

Until today.

The very English young man in front of me at the sandwich shop (wearing a tweed jacket, khaki trousers, a sweater-vest and a tie, I kid you not!) said it to the cashier as he was leaving.

And my world stopped turning for about three seconds.

Then, when it started to revolve once again, I almost burst out laughing. Right there in the shop.

Fortunately I had the strength of mind (if not character) to hold it in until I got back to my office.