Correct spelling for the English word "so longs" is [sˌə͡ʊ lˈɒŋz], [sˌəʊ lˈɒŋz], [s_ˌəʊ l_ˈɒ_ŋ_z] (IPA phonetic alphabet).
So longs is a colloquial expression primarily used in informal British English to convey farewell or goodbye. It is typically used as a parting phrase when leaving or taking leave from someone or somewhere.
The term "so longs" can be seen as a short form of the phrase "so long" and is considered a variant of this expression. Derived from the phrase's original meaning of "for such a long time," "so longs" has gradually evolved into a more casual and easygoing way of bidding farewell.
This expression is often employed in friendly or informal settings, among friends, acquaintances, or family members. It is used in situations where a more relaxed, less formal tone is desired, rather than in professional or business contexts. People might use "so longs" when departing from a social gathering, leaving a friend's house, or saying goodbye to someone they are casually acquainted with.
The term "so longs" has become a popular and widely understood phrase within British popular culture, appearing in various forms of literature, movies, and television shows. While its usage may vary across different English-speaking regions, it is predominantly associated with British English and is less commonly used in American or other variants of the language.
The word "so long" has its origin in the English language. It is believed to have come from a contraction of the phrase "farewell, so long", which was used as a parting expression. The exact etymology beyond this point is unclear, but it has been used in colloquial speech since the early 19th century. In this context, "so long" is often used to bid farewell and express goodbye. It's worth noting that "so longs" is not a recognized word or phrase in English.