What does "Auld Lang Syne" mean?

Asked by 2davidc8 (10189

) December 7th, 2011

What is the exact, literal meaning of those words? I think that “auld” probably means “old”, but what about the other two?
And, do they have a figurative meaning besides the literal?

Observing members: 0

Composing members: 0

4 Answers

This Wikipedia article goes into the meaning of Auld Lang Syne.

Bellatrix (21307

)“Great Answer” (9

) Flag as…

Auld lang syne means literally old long since, or distant times passed. It is Scots dialect and its full meaning doesn’t translate well into standard English. In Scots it is a very warm and wistful expression.

flutherother (34519

)“Great Answer” (8

) Flag as…

@Bellatrix Wow, that Wikipedia article has a lot more information than I was looking for! Awesome! The article is so incredibly comprehensive. I especially enjoyed the IPA representation of the Scots pronunciation. I also liked learning that the S in Syne should be pronounced like an “s” and NOT like a “z”, as is so often heard. Thank you.

2davidc8 (10189

)“Great Answer” (1

) Flag as…