Why Do We Say Cheers? The Strange History and Global Etiquette of Toasting

Raise a glass, mutter a polite “cheers”, and take a sip.

Simple, right?

Not quite.

Across the globe, the humble act of clinking glasses is considerably more complicated than it looks. What appears to be a harmless social ritual can involve ancient religious ceremonies, questionable medieval hygiene, unfortunate historical grudges, superstitions about death and curses, and enough etiquette rules to make ordering a bottle of wine feel like an entrance examination.

So before you start planning your next wine-tasting expedition, let’s take a deeply sarcastic look at where our favourite drinking words came from, why humans insist on banging glassware together, and how a perfectly innocent “cheers” can occasionally land you in cultural trouble.

Why Do We Toast in the First Place?

The act of raising a glass to celebrate something is ancient.

Very ancient.

Humans have been drinking fermented beverages for thousands of years, and wherever alcohol appeared, rituals surrounding it were not far behind.

Toasting can represent friendship, celebration, respect, remembrance, hospitality or simply the fact that everyone has survived dinner and deserves a drink.

The exact origins of the modern toast are difficult to pin down, however, because humans were not particularly good at maintaining comprehensive records of their drinking habits.

Presumably, somebody should have been writing this down.

Instead, they were drinking.

Fair enough.

The Ancient Libation: When Your Wine Was for the Gods

One of the earliest theories surrounding the origins of drinking rituals involves the ancient practice of the libation.

In several ancient cultures, people would pour a portion of wine or another alcoholic drink onto the ground or onto an altar as an offering to a deity, ancestor or spirit.

The idea was essentially that the gods deserved their share.

Which sounds perfectly reasonable until you remember that wine was considerably harder to produce than it is today.

Nothing says “heavenly divine favour” quite like pouring perfectly good alcohol onto a stone floor.

Still, the ritual established an important connection between alcohol, celebration, religion and social ceremony.

Drinking was not simply about getting through the evening.

It could be symbolic.

It could mark an occasion.

And it could connect the drinker with something considered greater than themselves.

The Poison Myth: Did People Really Clink Glasses to Prevent Murder?

Now we reach one of the most entertaining theories about the origin of the toast.

According to a popular story, people in the past would clink their drinking vessels together hard enough to splash wine between them.

The supposed logic was wonderfully straightforward.

If you were worried that your host had poisoned your drink, making their wine splash into your glass would give them an incentive not to poison you.

It was essentially medieval trust-building through aggressive glassware.

The story has been repeated for years, but there is no convincing historical evidence that this was actually the origin of the toast.

So, while it makes a magnificent story, historians generally treat it as folklore rather than established fact.

Still, it remains a cracking excuse to clink your glass with unnecessary enthusiasm.

Just perhaps not with the £120 Burgundy.

Where Did the Word “Toast” Come From?

Here is where things become genuinely strange.

The word “toast” is linked to actual toast.

Yes.

Toast.

As in bread.

In historical drinking culture, pieces of spiced or toasted bread were sometimes placed into alcoholic drinks.

The bread could help absorb some of the liquid and potentially soften unpleasant flavours or acidity in wines that were considerably less refined than the bottles sitting on modern restaurant lists.

Historical wine merchants and authorities such as Berry Bros. & Rudd have explored the historical relationship between the word “toast”, drinking traditions and the use of actual toasted bread.

So when you raise a glass and propose a toast, you are participating in a tradition with a rather literal bread-based history.

Frankly, eating soggy garlic bread out of your Chardonnay has fallen somewhat out of fashion.

But we respect the resourcefulness.

Why Do We Say “Cheers”?

In Britain, “cheers” is one of the great linguistic Swiss Army knives.

It can mean thank you.

Goodbye.

You’re welcome.

Here’s to us.

Or, depending on how enthusiastically it is delivered, “I have just ordered another bottle and I am taking no responsibility for what happens next.”

The word has long been associated with happiness, goodwill and celebration, and its use as a drinking expression became increasingly established in English-speaking culture.

Today, “cheers” is so deeply embedded in British drinking etiquette that refusing to say it can feel oddly formal.

You could theoretically raise your glass in complete silence.

But everyone at the table would immediately assume you had received terrible news.

Why Do We Clink Glasses?

There is no single universally accepted explanation for why clinking became such a fundamental part of the toast.

It may have developed as part of the wider ritual of sharing a drink, creating a communal moment before everyone drinks together.

The sound itself may also have become part of the sensory experience of celebration.

There is something satisfying about the little chime of glasses meeting.

It signals that the ceremony has begun.

Everyone has their drink.

Everyone is included.

And, importantly, everyone can now stop pretending to be interested in the speeches.

The Global Rules of Toasting

Here is where things get interesting.

Because while “cheers” might seem like a universal gesture, different countries and cultures have developed their own customs around toasting.

Some are straightforward.

Others are deeply traditional.

And a few appear specifically designed to make the nervous traveller panic before dinner.

1. Germany and Austria: Mind the Eye Contact

In Germany and parts of neighbouring Central Europe, maintaining eye contact while clinking glasses is an established part of the drinking ritual.

The famous superstition claims that failing to make eye contact can result in seven years of bad luck in your love life.

Whether anyone genuinely believes this varies, but the custom remains well known.

So when drinking in Germany, look your companion in the eye.

Not intensely.

Not in a way that makes them question whether you are about to challenge them to a duel.

Just enough to demonstrate that you know what you are doing.

Nothing kills the atmosphere of a fine Riesling quite like staring at the table because you have suddenly forgotten the rules of human interaction.

2. France: Make the Toast Count

France has a famously elaborate relationship with food and wine, so it should come as no surprise that toasting carries its own social expectations.

“Santé!” is one of the most common French drinking expressions, literally meaning “health”.

It is a fitting sentiment.

After all, wishing someone good health before drinking is considerably more sensible than wishing them seven years of romantic misery because they looked at the cheese board.

French drinking culture also places considerable emphasis on sharing wine as part of a meal rather than treating it purely as an alcoholic beverage.

The bottle belongs to the table.

The food belongs to the table.

The conversation belongs to the table.

And ideally, nobody is checking their phone.

3. Hungary: The 150-Year-Old Grudge

Now we arrive at one of the most fascinating toasting traditions in Europe.

In Hungary, clinking beer glasses has historically been avoided because of events surrounding the execution of the 13 Hungarian Martyrs in 1849.

According to the widely repeated historical account, Austrian generals celebrated the executions by clinking their beer mugs.

In response, Hungarians vowed not to clink beer glasses for 150 years.

The 150-year period officially expired in 1999.

But traditions do not necessarily disappear simply because a calendar says they should.

The custom remains culturally significant, and visitors should be aware of the history before enthusiastically smashing their beer glasses together.

It is a useful reminder that drinking etiquette is sometimes about much more than table manners.

A simple gesture can carry centuries of historical memory.

4. Japan: The Host Usually Leads

Japanese drinking culture has its own distinctive etiquette, particularly around formal meals and social gatherings.

One important custom is that guests may wait for others to pour their drinks rather than simply helping themselves.

It is also customary to pour for others rather than filling your own glass first in many social settings.

The phrase “Kanpai!” is the familiar Japanese toast.

It is usually said before drinking together.

And, much like many Japanese social customs, the emphasis is less on individual behaviour and more on maintaining consideration for everyone around the table.

In other words, if your instinct is to grab the bottle and pour yourself a heroic glass before anyone else has finished their first sip, perhaps reconsider.

5. Spain: Salud!

In Spain, “¡Salud!” is a common toast and means “health”.

It is a straightforward expression, and fittingly so.

Spanish wine culture is deeply tied to food, family and socialising, with wine often being enjoyed as part of a long meal rather than as a standalone event.

And if there is one thing Spain understands exceptionally well, it is the concept of a meal taking considerably longer than originally planned.

There is no need to rush.

The wine is there.

The food is coming.

Someone will probably order another plate.

Eventually, everyone will go home.

6. Italy: Salute!

Italy has a similarly health-focused approach to toasting.

“Salute!” means “health” and is commonly used when raising a glass.

Italian wine culture is famously regional, meaning drinking customs and traditions can vary considerably from one part of the country to another.

Wine is often closely integrated into the meal, with different styles selected according to local food and regional traditions.

So while you may be drinking something very different in Piedmont compared with Sicily, the underlying idea remains familiar.

Good food.

Good wine.

Good company.

And absolutely no need to eat dinner at 6pm like a person who has somewhere unpleasant to be.

7. Greece: Yamas!

In Greece, “Yamas!” is a familiar drinking toast meaning “to our health”.

Greek wine culture has an exceptionally long history, stretching back thousands of years to the ancient Greek world.

Wine played an important role in social, religious and cultural life, and drinking was often connected with communal gatherings and philosophical discussion.

Although modern Greek wine culture is obviously very different from that of antiquity, the tradition of sharing wine socially remains deeply embedded.

And with modern Greek varieties such as Assyrtiko, Xinomavro and Agiorgitiko receiving increasing international attention, there is now plenty of reason to explore what is happening in Greek vineyards.

8. Portugal: Saúde!

Portugal offers another variation on the health-themed toast.

“Saúde!” means “health” and is widely used when drinking.

Portugal's relationship with wine is particularly interesting because the country produces an enormous variety of styles, from crisp Vinho Verde and mineral whites to rich Douro reds and fortified Port.

So if someone offers you a glass in Portugal and says “Saúde!”, the correct response is essentially to raise your glass and return the sentiment.

There is no need to deliver a five-minute speech about terroir.

They will know you are trying too hard.

9. Ireland: Sláinte!

In Ireland, you are likely to hear “Sláinte!” used as a toast.

The word means “health” and is associated with drinking traditions across Ireland and Scotland.

It is one of those wonderful drinking words that sounds considerably more sophisticated than simply shouting “cheers!” across the table.

It also gives you an excellent opportunity to demonstrate that you have learned something cultural during your holiday rather than spending the entire trip looking for an English pub.

Although, to be fair, the English pub may still find you.

10. Sweden: Skål!

In Sweden and other Nordic countries, “Skål!” is a familiar drinking toast.

The word is pronounced approximately “skoal” and is traditionally accompanied by raising the glass before drinking.

Nordic drinking customs have their own rich history, and the toast has become an important part of social gatherings.

Just remember that Nordic hospitality can involve considerably more alcohol than your average Tuesday evening in Britain.

Plan accordingly.

11. Georgia: Gaumarjos!

Georgia deserves a special mention because it is one of the world's oldest wine-producing cultures.

Georgian wine traditions stretch back thousands of years, with distinctive winemaking methods including fermentation and ageing in traditional clay vessels known as qvevri.

The Georgian toast, “Gaumarjos!”, is associated with victory and celebration.

Georgian drinking culture can also involve elaborate toasts delivered by a designated toastmaster known as a tamada.

This is not the sort of situation where you casually mumble “cheers” and get back to your crisps.

The toast can be a substantial part of the occasion.

In fact, Georgian feasting traditions can turn the humble act of raising a glass into an extended ceremony involving family, friendship, history and poetry.

Suddenly your office Christmas party looks rather underachieving.

12. Russia and Eastern Europe: Za Zdorovye!

Across Russian-speaking and some other Eastern European drinking cultures, “Za zdorovye!” is widely recognised as a toast meaning “to health”.

There is, however, a common misconception that this phrase is always the standard Russian equivalent of “cheers”.

In actual Russian usage, the phrase can be more nuanced, and other forms of toast are common depending on the situation.

This is another useful lesson in international drinking etiquette.

Learning one phrase from a phrasebook does not necessarily make you an expert in another country's drinking culture.

Although it may make you sound considerably more confident than you actually are.

13. China: Ganbei!

In China, “Ganbei!” is a well-known drinking toast.

The expression literally means “dry the cup” and can therefore carry a rather more demanding implication than the British “cheers”.

In some social situations, a toast can involve drinking the contents of the glass rather than simply taking a polite sip.

This is particularly important for travellers because alcohol consumption can play a significant role in formal meals, business relationships and social hospitality.

However, customs vary considerably by region, setting and group.

The safest approach is to observe what everyone else is doing rather than assuming that your phrasebook has granted you diplomatic immunity.

14. Korea: Geonbae!

In South Korea, “Geonbae!” is a common toast meaning roughly “cheers” or “empty the glass”.

Drinking culture can be highly social, particularly in group settings, and there are a number of etiquette customs around pouring and receiving drinks.

For example, younger or junior members of a group may show respect when drinking with elders or senior colleagues.

Again, the details depend heavily on the social context.

The general rule for visitors is beautifully simple:

Watch what everyone else is doing.

Then copy them.

This is useful advice for international travel generally, although perhaps less so when everyone else suddenly starts running.

15. Scotland: Slàinte Mhath!

Scotland has its own version of the health-themed toast.

“Slàinte mhath!” means “good health” in Scottish Gaelic.

It is particularly associated with whisky, although there is no reason it cannot accompany wine or other drinks.

And given Scotland's contribution to the world of whisky, it seems only fair to give the country a proper place in the international toast hall of fame.

Just make sure you pronounce it with enough confidence.

Nothing says “tourist” quite like attempting Gaelic while looking at the menu for reassurance.

16. Czech Republic: Na Zdraví!

In the Czech Republic, “Na zdraví!” is a familiar toast meaning “to your health”.

Czech drinking culture is particularly associated with beer, but the same principle applies when enjoying wine or other drinks.

As with Germany, eye contact while clinking glasses is commonly associated with proper etiquette.

So if you are travelling through Central Europe, maintaining eye contact is generally a safer bet than staring at your phone while muttering something vaguely toast-like.

Why Do So Many Countries Toast to Health?

There is something wonderfully universal about this.

Across countries with completely different languages, histories and drinking traditions, one of the most common sentiments is essentially the same:

Health.

Good fortune.

Happiness.

Long life.

Friendship.

Prosperity.

It suggests that the toast is fundamentally less about the alcohol itself and more about the people sharing it.

The drink is simply the excuse.

Which is fortunate because otherwise the ancient Greeks were wasting a truly alarming amount of wine.

Why Wine Became Such an Important Part of Toasting

Wine has always had a particular advantage when it comes to ritual.

Unlike water, it can be associated with celebration, hospitality, ceremony and abundance.

Unlike beer, it has historically been deeply connected with religious traditions across several cultures.

And unlike spirits, wine can naturally accompany a meal from beginning to end.

That versatility helped wine become embedded in social rituals across Europe and beyond.

A bottle arrives.

The glasses are poured.

Someone raises theirs.

Everyone pauses.

A few words are spoken.

Then everyone drinks.

It is a tiny ritual, but it creates a shared moment.

The Etiquette Mistakes to Avoid When Travelling

If you are planning a wine-focused holiday or simply travelling somewhere with a different drinking culture, a little preparation can save you from an unnecessarily awkward evening.

First, observe before joining in.

Do not assume that your country's drinking customs are universal.

Second, pay attention to who initiates the toast.

In some cultures, the host or senior person may lead.

Third, do not assume that “cheers” means everyone has to empty their glass.

In some countries, it might.

In others, it absolutely does not.

Fourth, be careful with physical gestures.

Clinking glasses, crossing arms, touching glasses in a particular way or refusing to clink can all carry cultural meaning.

And finally, if you are unsure, ask.

People generally appreciate someone making an effort to respect local customs.

They are considerably less impressed when you confidently explain a completely incorrect historical tradition while holding their grandmother's crystal wine glass.

The Wine Toast Has Survived for Thousands of Years

What makes the history of toasting so fascinating is that the basic ritual has survived enormous cultural changes.

Empires have disappeared.

Religions have changed.

Wine production has been transformed by technology.

Glassware has become dramatically better.

And yet people still raise a drink, say a few words and share the moment.

The glass itself has changed.

The wine has changed.

The language has changed.

The ritual remains remarkably familiar.

From Ancient Libations to Modern Wine Lists

Today, most people do not pour wine onto an altar to appease the gods.

They do not drop pieces of toast into their Chardonnay.

They probably are not clinking glasses because they suspect their dining companion has secretly brought poison to dinner.

Thankfully.

But the modern wine toast still carries echoes of those ancient rituals.

It marks an occasion.

It brings people together.

It acknowledges friendship, celebration or goodwill.

And it gives everyone a perfectly respectable excuse to have another drink.

The Savvy Guide to Toasting Abroad

If you want to make your next international wine adventure slightly less embarrassing, remember a few simple principles:

• Germany - make eye contact.
• France - “Santé!” is your friend.
• Hungary - think twice before clinking beer glasses.
• Japan - watch the pouring etiquette.
• Spain - “¡Salud!” will serve you well.
• Italy - “Salute!” keeps things suitably cheerful.
• Greece - “Yamas!” is the word to remember.
• Portugal - “Saúde!” means health.
• Ireland - “Sláinte!” is the classic toast.
• Sweden - “Skål!” is your Nordic companion.
• Georgia - “Gaumarjos!” comes with an extraordinary toasting tradition.
• China - “Ganbei!” can mean rather more than a polite sip.
• South Korea - “Geonbae!” is the familiar toast.
• Czech Republic - “Na zdraví!” means to your health.
• Scotland - “Slàinte mhath!” means good health.

And if you forget all of them?

Smile.

Raise the glass.

Watch what everyone else does.

Then follow their lead.

It is surprisingly effective.

The Savvy Verdict

Next time you are out, do not think of a toast as simply the noise you make immediately before drinking.

It is one of the oldest social rituals in the world.

From ancient libations and questionable poison myths to medieval bread, national traditions and centuries-old historical grudges, the humble toast has accumulated an extraordinary amount of baggage for something that usually lasts about three seconds.

So raise your glass.

Say cheers.

Say salud.

Say yamas.

Say sláinte.

Or simply smile and follow everyone else's lead.

Just perhaps avoid the Hungarian beer-glass incident, maintain eye contact where appropriate, and under absolutely no circumstances put a piece of toast into an expensive bottle of Chardonnay.

For more fascinating stories about wine, drinking culture, history and the strange rituals that have developed around what we put in our glasses, explore Jancis Robinson's wine archives for a deeper dive into the world of wine.

Then, when you are next out drinking, raise your glass and say cheers like someone who actually knows what they are drinking.

Because apparently, even that requires a little research.