righo

Righo is a term of affirmation or agreement, primarily used in British English. It is often employed in a cheerful or resigned manner, conveying a sense of "all right then" or "very well." The word can indicate a willingness to proceed with a suggestion or accept a situation, sometimes with a hint of mild reluctance or acknowledgment of a minor inconvenience. It is considered an informal interjection.

The exact etymology of "righo" is uncertain, though it is widely believed to be a colloquial contraction of "right ho." This phrase itself likely derives from "right" meaning correct or proper, and "ho" as an exclamation used to attract attention or signal the start of an action. The combination suggests a readiness or a positive endorsement of a plan.

"Righo" can be used in various contexts. For example, if someone suggests going for a walk, a response of "Righo, let's go!" indicates enthusiastic agreement. Alternatively, if faced with an unavoidable task, one might sigh and say, "Righo, I suppose I'll have to do it," signifying reluctant acceptance. Its usage is generally lighthearted and conversational, contributing to the informal register of spoken English. The term is less common in formal writing and more prevalent in spoken dialogue or personal communication.