"Be well."

Posted by Jack Haines on March 26, 2006

"Be well." This is the second time I've heard this phrase (in Canada, specifically in Quebec) in two weeks. The first was when it was used in conversation instead of "Goodbye," "Bye-bye," "Take care," etc. And the second time was today, in text, when someone used it as a complimentary close in an e-mail.

My question is, Is this a neologism or an old phrase? If not a recent phrase, could an origin be explained. Thank you.

• "Be well." Smokey Stover 26/March/06
  • "Be well." Brian from Shawnee 27/March/06