Many cultures and languages have their own unique phrases or sayings related to drinking alcohol. In Mexico, it is common to say “Salud!” before taking a drink. This article will explore the origins and meanings behind this Spanish expression, and how it is used in Mexico and beyond.
What does “Salud!” mean?
The word “salud” directly translates to “health” in English. So when used as a drinking expression, it functions as a short toast wishing good health upon others. Saying “Salud!” is the Spanish language equivalent to saying “Cheers!” in English.
| Language | Common Drinking Toast |
|---|---|
| Spanish | Salud! |
| English | Cheers! |
| French | Santé! |
| German | Prost! |
| Italian | Cin cin! |
So when a group of friends get together for drinks in Mexico, it is customary that they make eye contact and say “¡Salud!” before sipping their beverages. This shows a shared hope for good health and fortune.
Origins and History
The roots of saying “Salud!” before drinking can be traced back centuries in Spanish culture. Some linguists note its earliest origins may stem from the Latin phrase “Stella salute” used in Roman times. This literally meant “To your health, star!” and invoked the pagan gods.
Over the ages, this full saying was gradually shortened down to simply “Salud!” in Spanish. The exact origins are unclear, but it was certainly well established in Spain by the 1700s Golden Age. Spanish colonization spread the custom to Latin America and beyond.
In modern Mexico, calling out “¡Salud!” remains a ubiquitous practice deeply ingrained in the drinking culture. It is likely popularized by the nation’s festive attitude toward alcohol and the social bonding it represents among family and friends.
Uses and Variations
While “Salud!” is said before most drinks in Mexico, there are some variations:
Longer Toasts
For special occasions, longer Spanish toasts may be given as well. Examples include:
– “Salud, dinero, y amor!” (Health, money, and love!)
– “Salud, pesetas, y amor. Y tiempo para gastarlos!” (Health, money, and love. And time to spend them!)
– “¡Cent′anni!” (100 years! – wishing someone a long life)
Soft Drinks
If drinking a non-alcoholic beverage, Mexicans may say “Salud” or jokingly say “¡Agua!” instead. This nods to just having water.
One Drink
Some say “Salud” only for the first sip or drink, not every single one through the night. But others continue saluting each round.
Chasers
When drinking liquor chased with a beer or other beverage, the “Salud!” is said before the liquor shot then chased.
Beyond Mexico
While salud is quintessentially Mexican, it has spread to become a popular drinking greeting across Latin America from Argentina to Cuba. Spanish speakers in Spain also use it, though the more common toast there is “¡Chin chin!”
In the United States, saying “Salud!” occurs often within Latino communities or multi-cultural settings. It provides a fun way to bridge languages and share a bit of Mexican culture over drinks. Tourists to Mexico also frequently adopt the custom.
The toast has crossed over to some extent into wider American and English speaking pop culture as well. It is not unusual to hear “Salud!” at casual mixed drink events or bars aiming for a festive flair.
However the full cultural meaning behind salud is often lost in translation. For non-Spanish speakers it can become just an exotic word to shout with drinks in hand. But in Mexico the phrase represents generations of bonding over the shared hope for good health and fortune in life.
Responses and Etiquette
In Mexico, there are a few customary responses after someone calls out “¡Salud!”:
– “¡Salud!” – Repeating it back to reciprocate the toast.
– “¡Gracias!” or “Gracias igualmente!” – Thanking them and wishing the same back.
– “¡Pa’ arriba, pa’ abajo, pa’l centro, y pa’ dentro!” – “Up, down, center, and inside!” – Playfully referring to swallowing the drink.
– “¡Fondo, fondo!” – “To the bottom!” – Encouraging everyone to finish their drinks.
Proper etiquette suggests not immediately drinking after your own “Salud!” toast. Wait until after others have responded and returned the toast back. Staring directly at those you are toasting is also customary.
Clinking glasses first is common in some regions, but not a strict requirement everywhere. Individual glasses are always raised up off the table as a sign of celebration.
Conclusion
Saying “Salud!” highlights both the richness of Mexican drinking culture, and the universality of wishing good fortune alongside good drinks. When learning to say “Salud!” with gusto, it becomes easy to appreciate why it has endured through the generations.
So next time you grab a cold cerveza or tasty tequila in Mexico, make sure to toast your companions with a hearty ¡Salud! You never know what amazing connections may come out of sharing such meaningful customs over shared drinks.