Why We Say 'Cheers' Before Drinking

Every time people gather for a drink, someone raises a glass and says "Cheers!" Before the liquid touches anyone's lips, glasses touch in a friendly tap. This ritual happens worldwide, in bars, restaurants, and family dinners. But why do we do it? Where did this custom start?

The history of clinking glasses is surprisingly dark. In ancient times, sharing food and drink carried a real risk. Poisoning was a common way to remove political rivals, enemies, or unwanted guests. To prove a drink was safe, the host would pour some of their own drink into the guest's cup, or both people would pour their drinks into a shared bowl and drink from it first.

Later, hosts and guests would pour wine from the same pitcher and drink together. Clinking the glasses hard became another safety test. The idea was that the force would cause the liquid to splash from one cup into the other. If someone tried to poison a drink, the poison would mix into both cups, and the host would drink it too. If both people drank happily afterward, trust was established.

Over hundreds of years, the danger of poison faded, but the custom remained. The meaning shifted from a test of survival to a wish for good health. In many languages, the toast actually means "to health." In French, people say santé. In Spanish, salud. In German, prost. In Italian, salute. The English word "cheers" comes from an old word meaning face or mood. Saying "cheers" originally meant wishing someone a good face and a happy expression.

Today, raising a glass is about connection. It marks the beginning of a shared moment. Etiquette experts note a few unwritten rules for a proper toast. You should look the other person in the eye when your glasses meet. Looking away is considered bad luck in some cultures. You do not need to hit the glasses with extreme force; a gentle tap works fine. And if your drink is non-alcoholic, you can still join the toast. The liquid matters less than the gesture.

Next time you lift a glass with friends, you are participating in an ancient human tradition of trust and community.

What is your favorite phrase to use when toasting friends?