Salud / Salut

By Deane Barker • •

This is a Latin word that variously means “to your health” (in Spanish), or “salutations; I salute you” in Italian.

It’s used as a toast when drinking, and occasionally as an alternative to “bless you” when someone sneezes.

Why I Looked It Up

A character in a novel said it as a toast. I had heard it for years, but had little idea of what it actually meant.

Links to this – L'chaim October 26, 2024
This is a traditional Jewish toast which means “to life.” It’s a lot like Salud / Salut is for the Italians. It’s sometimes used as a noun to mean: A toast, in itself. You can offer “a l’chaim” A celebratory party, like a wedding or a graduation. You can attend “a l’chaim.” In English, it’s...