What does it mean? It's a common Gaelic greeting meaning "good health to you". Literally, it translates as "health". It's often used as a toast. Cheers!
How is it pronounced? Slancha.
What is it? For the purposes of my site, it's the name of the posts I intend to start making on Thursdays (or when I remember) of the lyrics of some of my favorite pub songs, and any other things Irish that might catch my fancy.
Why Thursdays? Thursdays is traditionally the day that my best friend and I go to our favorite cozy little Irish pub and get drunk and listen to the band all night.
Why? Anyone that knows me well, knows I love all things Irish. I will be added updates to the main page weekly, and this area will be similar to an archive for it.
Can I link to it? Sure thing, just copy the text below and paste it into your blog or whatever.
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Sláinte!
In my young days, when two or three men went in for a drink together, it was the custom for them to go into a back room -- a snug. They never stood at the counter. Each of them would strike three hefty blows on the table, and in a flash, the barmaid would be in to see what they wanted. She would be ordered to bring them a half-pint of whiskey and, in due course, she would return with a jug and a glass. Should there be ten men in the company, they would still only have the one glass. The man who had ordered and paid for the drink would then stand up and hand a glass of whiskey to the man nearest to him, who would then say 'Here's health' (Seo do shláinte) to which the first man might answer, 'God grant you health' (Sláinte ó Dhia duit). That's the kind of toast they used to drink and it was always with a blow of the ash plant that they summoned the barman or barmaid.-Niall Ó Dubhthaigh
Issues
Fourth Issue: 04/01/04 The lyrics of The Irish Rover, April Fool's Day traditions in Ireland, another Gaelic word to go with sláinte, and a couple Irish toasts.
Third Issue: 03/25/04 The lyrics and history to Star of the County Down, a quote from James Plunkett about how Ireland got it's name, and some folklore that goes with it, and another Irish toast.
Second Issue: 03/17/04 The lyrics and some background to the song The Wearing of the Green, the history of Saint Patrick, wearing green and other Saint Patrick's Day traditions, and a traditional Saint Patrick's Day toast.
First Issue: 03/11/04 Quote from Niall Ó Dubhthaigh about the word sláinte, the lyrics and a bit of background to the song Johnson's Motor Car, Irish birthday tradition, and a traditional Irish birthday toast.
Songs
Johnson's Motor Car
The Irish Rover
The Star of the County Down
The Wearing of the Green