skol

/ skɒl; skəʊl /

sentence substitute

1. good health! (a drinking toast)

verb

1. informal.
   to down (an alcoholic drink) in one go

Word History and Origins

Origin of skol¹

C16: from Danish skaal bowl, from Old Norse skal; see scale ²

Example Sentences

Scolytus, skol′i-tus, n. typical genus of Scolyt′id, a family of bark beetles.

From Project Gutenberg

Den Barbara get pretty mad, yu bet, And say, "Ay skol fule dese geezers yet."

From Project Gutenberg

Ef dis har axe ban any gude, Dis tree skol sune ban kindling vood.

From Project Gutenberg

Ef yu lak to know yust how dis ban, Ay skol tal yu story the best ay can.

From Project Gutenberg

Ay hope ay skol never go to heaven Ef dese Rebel Svedes ant licked by eleven.

From Project Gutenberg

More About Skol

What does skol mean?

Skol is a sentence substitute used to mean “Good health!”

Skol, sometimes spelled skoal, is used as a toast—that is, a few words of congratulation especially said before everyone drinks in celebration. Despite the term’s Danish language roots (see “Where does skol come from?” below), the use of skol as a toast was popularized by the Scottish. 

Skol is frequently used in America by fans of the Minnesota Vikings National Football League team and by fans of the Iceland FIFA World Cup team. The association of skol with Vikings may be because the term comes from Danish and Norse origin, despite the fact that it was popularized by Scotland. Fans of these teams will often chant “Skol!” during games while stomping or clapping in order to cheer their team on. 

In Australia, to skol is to drink an entire alcoholic beverage all at once by chugging or gulping it. This informal term is also sometimes used to describe when someone is drinking quickly, even if they don’t chug the entire drink.

Example: Skol! The Vikings win over the Seahawks!

Where does skol come from?

The first records of the term skol come from around the early 1600s. It comes from the Danish term skaal, meaning “bowl,” which comes from the Old Norse skal. Despite its roots, skol as a toast is attributed mostly to the Scots. 

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms related to skol?

• skoal

What are some synonyms for skol?

• cheers
• sláinte
• salute
• chin-chin

What are some words that share a root or word element with skol? 

• scale
• skoal

What are some words that often get used in discussing skol?

• drink
• gulp
• health
• toast

How is skol used in real life?

Skol is most often used to toast someone or something in celebration. It is also used as a chant by fans of the Minnesota Vikings and the Iceland FIFA team.

Vikings fans, unbelievable year. Not the way we wanted to finish. But so many memories I will cherish for the rest of my life. Much love #skol

— Case Keenum (@casekeenum) January 23, 2018

 

@Tamzaghi9 we look forward to seeing you at one of our Scotland meetups this coming season, virtual gameday watch parties and discussion posts, and the USA trip to Minnesota this year! SKOL! #UKVikingsFans

— UK and Ireland Minnesota Vikings Fan Club (@UKVikingsFans) February 22, 2022

Try using skol!

True or False?

You would use skol to tell someone you’re sorry about a loss.