anon

¹ American  

[uh-non] / əˈnɒn /

adverb

1. in a short time; soon.

2. at another time.

3. Archaic. at once; immediately.

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idioms

1. ever and anon, now and then; occasionally.

anon. ² American  

abbreviation

1. anonymous.

2. anonymously.

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anon. ¹ British  

abbreviation

1. anonymous

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anon ² British  

/ əˈnɒn /

adverb

1. in a short time; soon

2. now and then

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anon. Cultural  

1. An abbreviation for anonymous, used to indicate unknown or unacknowledged authorship. Without the period, anon means “at another time” or “again.”

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Etymology

Origin of anon¹

before 1000; Middle English anon, anoon, Old English on āne in one (course), i.e., straightaway

Origin of anon.²

First recorded in 1730–40

Explanation

Although the word anon sounds old (it is, it is!), it can still be used today to indicate "soon." If you say, "I hear you calling and I will come anon," the person calling you might still be impatient, but they'll be impressed. The word anon can be found as early as the 11th Century, with the Old English word āne meaning "in one," or "right away." The word is considered archaic, and sounds a little pretentious when used today. It fits much better in older literature such as works by Shakespeare. For example, in Romeo and Juliet, Juliet's nurse calls her just as the girl is bidding goodbye to Romeo, and she keeps putting the Nurse off by saying, "I come anon."

Example Sentences

“How much worse can things really get anon? This is oof city,” wrote Larry Cermak, director of research for the crypto data company the Block Crypto, on Twitter on Tuesday.

From Washington Post • Jun. 14, 2022

If this makes of me a traitor, then so be it—I shall be judged anon.

From Golf Digest • Feb. 15, 2018

The Drake comeback continues anon with this appealingly greasy collaboration with the rising Memphis rapper BlocBoy JB.

From New York Times • Feb. 9, 2018

As the airlines, we have very limited information that we are not going to disclose to an anon person.

From Slate • Feb. 2, 2017

Now ever and anon there was a red flash, and slowly through the heavy air dull rumbles could be heard.

From "The Return of the King" by J.R.R. Tolkien