Focal an Lae #190
The Word of the Day in Irish
Word: slán (SLAWN) [slaːn]
Meaning: slán = health; farewell; safe, sound, whole
Usage:
- D’fhág sí slán agam. (DAWG shee SLAWN AH-guhm) [daːg s′iː slaːn agəm] = She said goodbye to me. (lit., she left farewell at-me)
- Slán go fóill! (SLAWN guh FOH-ihll, ll as in million) [slaːn gə foːl′] = Bye for now! So long!
- Tháinig siad slán. (HAW-nihg SEE-uhd SLAWN) [haːn′əg′ s′iːəd slaːn] = They survived safely. They came out unscathed. (lit., they came safe, whole)
History: Old Irish “slán” (healthy) derives from the Indo-European root *sel- (of good mood).
Cognates in English include “silly” (from Old English “gesaelig” = happy) and “solace” (from Latin “solari” = to comfort).
A common related word in Irish is “sláinte” (health).
Scottish Gaelic: slàn