When do people say 'Be well'?

Question

It sounds a lot more nuanced than a simple 'goodbye'. What subtle feelings or emotions does it encapsulate?

Answer 1

As far as I know it is not commonly used. In fact it sounds so unusual, it was used as a salutation in the 1993 science fiction movie "Demolition Man" (Sylvester Stallone and Sandra Bullock), where people from a sanitized and pacifist future reality would wish each other "be well" instead of "good bye". This excessive congeniality made them sound exceptionally naive.

A more common expression is, "Take care!", even if the person is not about to do anything dangerous.

Answer 2

Chris Cuomo, CNN, uses it nightly on his show. I personally like it and feel like it connects better with the recipient, like you sincerely want and hope the best for that person until you meet again.

Answer 3

I started saying this a few years ago. I still use "goodbye" and other idioms, but when I say "be well" I mean something more emotional, deeper. It's my way of saying, "For however long passes between now and when we next see each other I hope you have a good life. Have a joyous life. A prosperous life. A healthy life. The life you most desire. And when we see each other again let us rejoice."

Answer 4

I, too, just started using this in person as a form of goodbye and in writing as a salutation. Desiring all good things for all people. It is certainly most appropriate in our current unsettled, global paradigm regardless of the audience. It is synonymous with thrive. Be well!

Answer 5

This question is likely a matter of opinion. "Be well" is certainly not a typical departure phrase.

I have sometimes heard this phrase used by people who strive to be alternative (a theme in my community), and use language that is intentionally different from many other people's.

I also just recently saw this phrase used in email and other electronic message signoffs to a friend who has been extremely ill. In this case the phrase could be a wish that the person becomes well, or could be an attempt to avoid saying "goodbye" (again, this is a matter of opinion), which could sound, well, final, or "see you later," when there is a good chance that will not happen.

Answer 6

In Yiddish, the expresssion “Zei gezunt” (“be well”) is very commonly used, and often as a way of saying goodbye. If I had to hazard a guess, I’d say that the usage of “be well” in English as words of parting originated in areas of the US with a large Yiddish-speaking population, and gradually gained wider popularity. Personally, I like the way it sounds — it seems to have a kind of warmth and familiarity to it.

Answer 7

It is often used to also end an email and let the other person know you are ceasing further dialogue and don't expect a reply.

Answer 8

I have been using Be Well for more then 8 maybe even 9 years or more. I don't do goodbye anymore.

I started doing it because good is way to light or dark in the use of words good also does not say much on parting. Be Well handles a lot better, it leaves a lot for the one who hears it to place it on a scale themselves. Take care sounds like their is risk at every turn. Where I would use Be well and safe travels, I am drawing perception to the idea of more awareness when driving or travelling. Or safe journey, also works I may even use have a happy morrow. As in wishing their next day well, but I also tend to let people know when I am leaving to do something else or going to my room so they know they have more privacy when we have shared company.

Answer 9

"Be well" doesn't sit well with me! It sounds overly paternal, pretentious and I almost expect it to be followed by "May the force be with you."

Answer 10

“Be Well” is an old Hebrew greeting and equivalent to saying good bye, here is a link to what is behind this.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_greetings

Answer 11

Be well is informal synonymous of good bye, just like cya, peace, later and so..