stay well, interjectional phrase

/ˈsteɪ ˌwel/
Origin:
IsiXhosa, Sotho, isiZuluShow more Translation of Sintu (Bantu) expressions for ‘goodbye’, such as isiXhosa hlala kakuhle, Sotho sala hantle, isiZulu sala kahle (see sala kahle).
An expression of good wishes, spoken on parting by one leaving to one staying behind. Cf. sala kahle. See also go well.
Note:
In the past invariably used by writers to suggest dialogue in the Nguni or Sotho languages, but now in general use in South African English.
1948 A. Paton Cry, Beloved Country 17Go well, my child. Stay well, umfundisi. Stay well, mother. Go well, my child.
1952 F.J. Edmonstone Where Mists Still Linger 54‘Stay well, my friend,’ he said. ‘Will we see you at work in the morning?’...‘I will be at work,’ said my father. ‘Go well.’
1965 J. Ngugi River Between (1970) 55‘Go in peace. These hills from the ancient times have seen strange things.’ ‘Stay well. Remain in peace.’
1983 N.S. Ndebele Fools 265The boy..curtsied when I placed the orange in his hands ‘Stay well,’ he said as he walked out.
1991 S. Dacombe on Radio South Africa 3 Feb.This is Sandy Dacombe in Pretoria saying ‘stay well’, and thanks for joining me.
An expression of good wishes, spoken on parting by one leaving to one staying behind.
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19481991
stay, verb intransitivev.steeg, nounn.
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