Servus
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Servus (Czech: Servus, Hungarian: Szervusz, Polish: Serwus, German: Servus, Portuguese: Servo, Romanian: Servus, Ukrainian: Сервус) is a salutation used in many parts of Central and Eastern Europe.
These words originates from the Latin word for servant or slave, servus. The phrase is an ellipsis of a Latin expression meaning, "I am your servant" or "at your service".
[edit] Usage
Use of this salute is roughly coincident with the boundaries of the former Austro-Hungarian Empire. It is especially popular in Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Transylvania (the region of Romania), as well as in parts of Germany (Bavaria), Croatia, Poland, Slovenia, and western Ukraine. The word may be used as a greeting ("hello") or parting ("goodbye") salutation, depending on the region and context.
Despite its turgid origins, "Servus" is now used as an informal salute in Bavaria and Austria.
[edit] Uses as titles and names
- Servus.at is an Austrian cultural organisation providing internet access.
- ServusHosting is a company providing free web hosting services.
- Sag' beim Abschied leise Servus ("Say softly 'Servus', when we part") is a famous Austrian song.
