How to whisky: What does 'Slàinte' mean and why do we say it?

Sunday, 08 February 2026 at 12:03

When you drink whisky in good company, you don’t just raise your glass and say “cheers.” In Scotland, the right word is “Slàinte Mhath.” But what does it actually mean, and where does it come from? In this How to Whisky we dive in.

Today is International Scotch Day. The perfect moment to explore what Scots and other whisky lovers so often toast with.

What does Slàinte Mhath mean?

We can keep this one short: Slàinte Mhath is Gaelic for “good health.” It’s the Scottish way to say “cheers.” Only, the sentiment behind those words carries a bit more weight than a simple toast.

You’re literally wishing someone good health. That meaning fits whisky like a glove. It’s not a drink you knock back, it’s one you pause to appreciate.

Of course, writing it and knowing what it means is one thing, but you also need to know how to say it. Just like some whisky and distillery names, that can be tricky. Phonetically, it sounds roughly like 'Slawn-cha va.'

Where does Slàinte Mhath come from?

Gaelic is an ancient language we readily associate with Scotland, but it didn’t originate there. Scottish Gaelic came from the north of Ireland and was brought to Scotland around the 4th and 5th centuries.

Its speakers were known as the Gaels. They moved from Ireland to Scotland, and the language eventually spread across the entire country.

Fun fact: Slàinte Mhath also exists in Irish Gaelic, where it’s spelled Slàinte Mhaith. The pronunciation is virtually the same and the meaning is identical. Good health, on both sides of the sea.

A reply that instantly makes you sound like a whisky pro

If someone says Slàinte Mhath to you, you can reply with a thank you, or simply say Slàinte Mhath back. But if you really want to surprise someone, say: “do dheagh shlàinte” (phonetic: doe jaw slawn-cha).

It means “to your good health.” Not many people know this phrase, so when you use it, you immediately sound like an expert.