Heill
The Old Norse word for "hi" is Heill.
This phrase is used as a friendly, informal greeting.
Meaning: friendly, informal greeting (intj)
Which one should you use?
Heill is used when addressing a male, whereas Heil is used for a female.
How does it change in a sentence?
A common expanded greeting is Heil ok sæl, which adds 'and happy/prosperous' to the sentiment.
Did you know?
- While Heill is a greeting, it literally means 'whole' or 'healthy'. To say 'hi' in Old Norse was effectively to wish that the other person remained physically intact.
- The word Heill also shares a root with 'hail' as in 'hail the king'. In both cases, the speaker is not just saying 'hi' but acknowledging the status or well-being of the listener.
- The concept of being heill was tied to the idea of 'luck' or 'fortune'. Greeting someone as 'whole' was a way of wishing them continued good luck in a dangerous world.
Examples in context
- Heill, vinr!Hi, friend!
- Heill ok sæll!Hi and be healthy!
Example conversation
Two friends meet on a path.
- HelgaHeill, Erik!Hi, Erik!
- ErikHeill, Helga!Hi, Helga!
- HelgaHversu ferr þér?How are you?
- ErikMér ferr vel.I am doing well.
