wes hāl
The phrase 'get well soon' is expressed in Old English as wes hāl.
This phrase is used to express the hope that someone recovers soon.
Meaning: expressing hope that someone recovers soon (phrase)
Did you know?
- The phrase wes hāl is the ancient root of the modern English word 'wassail', traditionally shouted during winter drinking toasts.
- The phrase wes hāl was used not just for illness but as a general greeting similar to 'hello'.
- The word hāl is the direct ancestor of the modern English word 'whole', meaning that to be well is to be complete or unbroken.
Examples in context
- Wes hāl and strang.Get well and be strong.
- Ic bidde þæt þū sīe hāl.I pray that you get well soon.
Example conversation
Æthelflæd visits Eadric, who is resting after an illness.
- ÆthelflædHū gæst þū, Eadric?How are you, Eadric?
- EadricIc eom swīðe unstrang.I am very weak.
- ÆthelflædWes hāl, mīn lēof.Get well soon, my dear.
- EadricIc þancie þē.I thank you.
