How the Irish invented the phrase “so long”

While we often hear it in films, books, and everyday conversations, this casual phrase has its origins in the Irish language, specifically from the term slán.

In Irish, slán (pronounced “slawn”) means “safe” or “healthy,” and is commonly used in expressions of farewell.

The phrase slán agat translates to “goodbye” or “safe with you,” essentially wishing someone safety as they part.

With its versatility and simplicity, slán became embedded in daily farewells across Ireland, eventually evolving into various phrases in both Irish and English.

Linguists believe that as Irish immigrants came to English-speaking countries, they carried the word with them.

In English, slán would often be rendered phonetically as “slan” or “slawn.” Over time, the phrase morphed into “so long,” preserving its original spirit of wishing safety and well-being.

This transformation from slán to “so long” is a perfect example of how language shifts to accommodate new sounds and meanings while holding onto its cultural roots.

Irish immigrants played a massive role in spreading the phrase in America, Britain, and beyond. In the 19th century, as waves of Irish immigrants crossed the Atlantic, they brought more than just their traditions and stories—they brought their language, too. Slán was a staple in the Irish lexicon, and its phonetic cousin “so long” began to catch on among English-speaking communities, making it a natural part of American English by the early 20th century.

Interestingly, while “so long” became widely used in America and the UK, the original slán stayed strong in Ireland. Today, slán is still used as a casual goodbye in Ireland, showing the resilience of the Irish language even as it quietly influenced English phrases like “so long.”

So, next time you say “so long” to a friend, remember that you’re connecting with a bit of Irish heritage. It’s a reminder of the lasting impact the Irish language has had on English and the way our everyday language is filled with echoes of Irish culture, even if we may not realize it.

Slán, everyone! Or should we say, so long?