How Do You Pronounce the Word "slainte"?
Last Updated Mar 25, 2020 8:05:56 PM ET
The correct pronunciation of Irish English word "slainte" is "slancha." People in Scotland and Ireland traditionally use the word "slainte" as a toast for physical and mental well-being. Variations of the toast include Irish "slainte mhath," meaning "good health, and Scottish Gaelic "air do shlainte," meaning "on your health."
"Slainte" is derived from the Old Irish word "slan," which means "whole" or "healthy," and the Old Irish suffix "tu." This combination created the word "slantu," which evolved into "slainte" in Middle Irish.
Like "slainte," the Latin word for health, "salus," has become a common toast in some modern Romance languages. Examples of this include "salud" in Spanish and "salute" in Italian.
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