Origin of "Cheers"
Posted by ESC on January 12, 2000
In Reply to: Origin of "Cheers" posted by Joseph Willis on January 11, 2000
: Just recently moved to England and wondering what the origin of this word is?
: Thanks ... or rather, "cheers"!
"British English A to Zed" by Norman W. Schur doesn't have the origin
of cheers. It just said it was at first consider non-upper class
and was "frowned on in some circles where 'Your health' or 'Good
luck' was preferred. It was gradually taken over, perhaps at first
facetiously, and is now established practically everywhere." I am
assuming from this that it was a drinking toast or salute.