salud

[ sah-looth ]

interjection

, Spanish.

1. (used after a person has sneezed or as a toast.)

Word History and Origins

Origin of salud¹

Literally, “health”

Example Sentences

His son, José Salud Medina, 31, is in custody on unrelated charges in Mexico, where he is expected to be tried separately in connection with the kidnapping.

From Los Angeles Times

In the land of killer commutes, Salud Garcia’s trek is such a slog, she should get a gold medal at the finish line each day.

From Los Angeles Times

“Esta es una crisis de salud mental que nadie reconoce”, dijo Anna Maria Rosenberg, administradora del grupo.

From New York Times

La agencia declaró que la COVID-19 sigue siendo “una amenaza grave para la salud pública”, sobre todo para quienes siempre han corrido mayor riesgo de enfermarse a un nivel grave, como los adultos mayores, los bebés, las personas con sistemas inmunitarios debilitados o padecimientos de salud crónicos, así como las embarazadas.

From New York Times

“Muchas felicidades, se escucha todo muy bien”, dijo Moreno, felicitándola por la buena salud de su bebé.

From Los Angeles Times

About This Word

What does salud mean?

Salud is a Spanish word meaning “health.”

For English speakers, it’s most familiar meaning is for the toast Cheers!

Where does salud come from?

The Spanish salud comes from Latin salus, variously meaning “health,” “wealth,” and “security.”

Outside its use meaning “health,” salud is used to say “Cheers!” (“To your health!”) when toasting drinks or instead of “Bless you!” when someone sneezes.

Use of salud in English dates back to at least the 1930s. And, more recently, it was the title of a 2006 song by Mexican singer Vincente Fernández in a 2011 episode of the hit TV drama Breaking Bad.

How is salud used in real life?

Salud is used throughout the Spanish-speaking world for all things related to health, toasting, and achoo-ing.

English speakers may use salud when enjoying some drinks while traveling to Spanish-countries—and may hear it if they sneeze there.

Construction has begun! @RaicesBrewing will be a gathering and welcoming place were we envision bringing communities together to heal, connect, celebrate who we are. It will be a place where we can savour good food, beer, culture and company! #PorNuevosEspacios ¡Salud! pic.twitter.com/bjzEOAt8RK

— Raices Brewing Co. (@RaicesBrewing) October 29, 2018

Note

This content is not meant to be a formal definition of this term. Rather, it is an informal summary that seeks to provide supplemental information and context important to know or keep in mind about the term’s history, meaning, and usage.