What does "Auld Lang Syne" mean?

It literally means “old long since” or long ago. In 1788, Robert Burns adapted “Auld Lang Syne” from “an old man’s singing.” Even though the title, first line, and refrain had all appeared before as the work of other poets, Burn’s version is the one people sing on New Year’s Eve, mostly the first verse and refrain: Should auld acquaintance be forgot, And never brought to min(d)? Should auld acquaintance be forgot, And days of o’ lang syne. For auld lang syne, my dear, For auld lang syne,We’ll take a cup o’ kindness yet For auld lang syne.