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Adeste Fideles Latin Pronunciation: ahd-EH-steh fih-DAY-lays English translation: Come, Faithful (people)--(O come, all ye faithful) Explanation: A christmas hymn written in Latin, date and author uncertain. (Ehrlich, 85) ad hoc Latin Pronunciation: ahd hawk English translation: for this (purpose) Explanation: An ad hoc (pronounced ad HOK in English) committee is a temporary committee established to accomplish a particular task. Once an ad hoc committee has completed the job for which it was established, it is disbanded. (Ehrlich, 85) ad infinitum Latin Pronunciation: ahd ihn-fee-NEE-tuum English translation: without limit, literally "to infinity" Explanation: Abbreviated ad inf. and ad infin., this phrase is the Latin equivalent of "forever, to infinity, endlessly," and in English is pronounced ad in-fa-NIT-em. (Ehrlich, 85) ad valorem Latin Pronunciation: ahd wah-LOH-rem English translation: in proportion to value Explanation: Abbreviated ad val. An import duty fixed ad valorem is one established on the basis of the commercial value of the imported item. Like death and taxes, ad valorem has been with us so long that it now is part of the English language and pronounced ad va-LOH-rem. (Ehrlich, 85) Agnus Dei Latin Pronunciation: AH-gnus DEH-ee English Translation: Lamb of God Explanation: Adnus Dei, the epithet applied to Christ by John the Baptist, is represented in the figure of a lamb supporting a cross or a banner with a cross emblazoned on it. The lamb, often shown with a halo about its head, represents Christ. (Ehrlich, 85) alma mater Latin Pronunciation: AHL-mah MAH-tehr English Translation: nourishing mother Explanation: Alma mater is the epithet applied by Romans to Ceres, goddess of growing vegetation; to Cybele, a nature goddess; and to other bounteous goddesses. Roman poets referred to the country of their birth as alma mater. Today, the expression is used to refer to one's college or university, and more narrowly, to the official song, statue, or other symbol of the institution. Columbia University, just one of many, has a large statue of Alma Mater (in English AL-ma MAH-ter) standing in front of its administration building, and this statue is a favorite background for snapshots taken by pround parents of entering freshmen. The symbolism is clear: The university is the bounteous, fostering mother of all its graduates. (Ehrlich, 85) alter ego Latin Pronunciation: AHL-tehr EH-goh English Translation: another self Explanation: Cicero used the expression tamquam (TAHM-kwahm) alter idem, "as if a second self," to describe a completely trustworthy friend, an ALTER EGO. Idem means "the same," while ego means "I," but both phrases convey the same meaning. Anyone who is your alter idem or alter ego is your inseparable friend. (Ehrlich, 85) Amor vincit omnia Latin Pronunciation: AH-mawr WIHN-kiht AWM-nee-ah English Translation: Love conquers all Explanation: The famous line of Virgil's (also given, to the despair of beginning Latin students, unaccustomed to the flexibility of Latin word order, as amor omnia vincit or as omnia vincit amor) is quoted by Chaucer in the "Prologue" to The Canterbury Tales. Incidentally, Virgil goes on to say, et nos cedamus amori(et nohs keh-DAHM-uus ah-MAWR-ee), "and let us yield to it [love]." (Ehrlich, 85) anno Domini Latin Pronunciation: AHN-noh DAW-mih-nee English Translation: In the year of our Lord Explanation: The full version of the abbreviation A.D. Modern Western calendars reckon passage of time from the birth of Christ, the commencement of the Christian era, but there is disagreement over the precise year of Christ's birth. (Ehrlich, 85) ante bellum Latin Pronunciation: AHN-teh BEL-luum English Translation: Before the war Explanation: The period before any war may be characterized as ante bellum, but in the United States the phrase generally is applied to the period before the Civil War. In English "antebellum" (ant-i-BEL-um) is used as an adjective with the meaning "pre-war". (Ehrlich, 85) ante meridiem (A.M.) Latin Pronunciation: AHN-teh meh-REE-dee-em English Translation: Before noon Explanation: Meridies (meh-REE-dee-ays) means "noon" or "midday." A>M> the English abbreviation for ante meridiem, refers to time prior to noon and after midnight. See post meridiem (Ehrlich, 85) a priori Latin Pronunciation: ah pree-OH-ree English Translation: from what is already known Explanation: Reasoning a priori, literally "from what comes before," is a logical process in which consequences are deduced from principles that are assumed. Thus, a priori reasoning, also called "deductive reasoning," is based initially on assumptions that derive that prior knowledge. (Ehrlich, 85) aqua vitae Latin Pronunciation: AH-kwah WEE-ti English Translation: Whiskey Explanation: Literally "water of life", aqua vitae, originally an alchemist's term, appears to be the most amusing euphemism ever intented for hard liquor. (Ehrlich, 85) ars gratia artis Latin Pronunciation: ahrs GRAH-tee-ah AHR-tis English Translation: Art for art's sake Explanation: The motto of the true artist, now preempted by Hollywood: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, the motion picture producers, use it as part of the M-G-M trademark. (Ehrlich, 85) audemus iura (or jura) nostra defendere Latin Pronunciation: ow-DAY-muus YOO-rah NAW-strah deh-FEN-deh-reh English Translation: We dare defend our right. Explanation: The motto of Alabama, perhaps calling attention to that state's dedication to protecting its rights against infringement by the federal government. (Ehrlich, 85) ave Caesar, morituri te salutant Latin Pronunciation: AH-weh KI-sahr MAW-rih-TOO-ree tay sah-LOO-tahnt English Translation: Hail, Caesar, those who are about to die salute you. Explanation: The words are those of Roman gladiators entering the arena to launch into mortal combat. The full expression is also given as ave, Caesar, morituri te salutamus (sah-loo-TAH-mus), "hail, Caesar, we who are about to die salute you." (Ehrlich, 85) caveat emptor Latin Pronunciation: KAH-way-aht EMP-tawr English Translation: let the buyer beware Explanation: The rule of law warning potential purchasers of goods or services that they are not protected during a transaction against failure of the sellers to live up to the bargain except to the extent that the sales contract stipulates. (Ehrlich, 85) Certe, Toto, sentio nos in Kansate non iam adesse Latin Pronunciation: kehr-tay toh-toh, sin-tee-oh nohs in kahn-sah-tay nahn yahm ah-dehs-say English Translation: You know, Toto, I have a feeling we're not in Kansas anymore. (Beard, 90) Explanation: Dorothy's moment of revelation in The Wizard of Oz cogito ergo sum Latin Pronunciation: KOH-gih-toh EHR-goh suum English Translation: I think, therefore I am. Explanation: Famous axiom of Descartes Conlige suspectos semper habitos Latin Pronunciation: KOHN-lee-gay suus-pek-tohs seem-pear hah-bee-tohs English Translation: Round up the usual suspects.(Beard, 90) Explanation: Famous line from the movie Casablanca. Corruptissima in republica plurimae leges Latin Pronunciation: kawr-ruu-PTIHS-sih-mah in ray-POO-blih-hak PLOO-rih-my LAYS-gihs English Translation: The more corrupt the state, the more numerous the laws Explanation: Tacitus hit this one on the nose. Every time a government tries to strengthen its lawa, the enemies of the state find new ways to cheat--with the assistance of clever lawyers, accountants, and lobbyists--which inevitably lead to more and more laws, and less and less observance of the laws. And so on (Ehrlich, 95) cum laude Latin Pronunciation: kuum LOW-deh English Translation: with praise Explanation: A university degree awarded cum laude is the third highest of honors. A student who has staggered through to a degree with barely passing grades is said jocularly to have graduated summa cum difficultate (dih-fih-kuul-TAH-teh), "with greatest difficulty." (See Magna Cum Laude and Summa Cum Laude) (Ehrlich, 85) Da mihi sis crustum Etruscum cum omnibus in eo. Latin Pronunciation: Dah mee-hee seese krus-tuum eh-truu-skuum kuum ohm-nee-buus in a-oh English Translation: I'll have a pizza with everything on it. Explanation: A fast-food restaurant order. (Beard, 90) Denarius hic sistit Latin Pronunciation: day-NEH-ree-uus heek sees-teet English Translation: The buck stops here. (Beard, 90) Explanation: The motto of President Truman Draco Dormiens Nunquam Titillandus Latin Pronunciation: DRAY-koh daur-me-ins noon-kwam tee-tel-LAN-duus English Translation: Never tickle a sleeping dragon Explanation: The motto of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in the Harry Potter, books by J. K. Rowling. e pluribus unum Latin Pronunciation: ay PLOO-rih-buus OO-nuum English Translation: one out of many Explanation: Motto of the United States of America, indicating that a single nation was made by uniting many states. (Ehrlich, 85) et al. abbreviation for et alii, et aliae, et alia Latin Pronunciation: et AH-lee-ee, et AH-lee-i, et AH-lee-ah English Translation: and others Explanation: This abbreviation is used in writing to avoid a lengthy listing. Et alii is masculine, so it is properly used in speech to mean "and other men" when preceeded by the name of a male or to mean "and other people." Et aliae is feminine, so it is properly used in speech to mean "and other women." Et alia is neuter, so it is properly used in speech to mean "and other things." Educated persons do not pronounce the appreviation et al. "And others" is said for et al. (Ehrlich, 85) exempli gratia abbreviated e.g. Latin Pronunciation: eks-EHM-plee GRAH-tee-ah English Translation: for instance Explanation: This expression, literally "for the sake of example," is always abbreviated e.g. in English. It is used correctly to introduce an example, incorrectly to mean "that is." (See Id est ) (Ehrlich, 85) ex libris Latin Pronunciation: eks LIH-brees English Translation: from the library of Explanation: This familiar legend, also given as e (eh) libris, translated literally as "from the books," commonly appears on book plates. The phrase is followed by the owner's name. (Ehrlich, 85) ex officio Latin Pronunciation: eks awf-FIH-kee-oh English Translation: by virtue of an office Explanation: Officers of an institution usually serve on many of its committees not because they have personal qualifications needed on the committees, but because they hold certain offices. Thus, the chief executive officer of a corporation usually is a member ex officio of all the important committees of the corporation. The phrase is so thoroughly part of the English language that it has an English pronounciation, eks oo-FISH-ee-oh. (Ehrlich, 85) ex post facto Latin Pronunciation: eks pawst FAH-ktoh English Translation: from what is done afterward Explanation: We are all experts ex post facto, Monday morning quaterbacks who can always give the correct answers to all problems once we know how things worked out. An ex post facto law, normally not permitted in United States constitutional law, is one that can be applied retroactively; even though such a low is passed after a particular case has been settled, it would be deemed applicable even to previously closed cases. (Ehrlich, 85) Fac ut gaudeam Latin Pronunciation: fahk uht gahw-day-ehm English Translation: Make my day. (Beard, 90) Explanation: Famous "one-liner" from the Dirty Harry movies of Clint Eastwood. Gloria in Excelsis Deo Latin Pronunciation: GLOH-ree-ah in eks-KEL-sees DAY-oh English Translation: Glory to God on high Explanation: The first words of the familiar hymn, from Luke. (Ehrlich, 85) Hostes alienigeni me abduxerunt. Qui annus est? Latin Pronunciation: haws-tays ah-lee-in-igh-nee may ahb-duux-air-ruunt. Kwee ahn-nuus est? English Translation: I was kidnapped by aliens. What year is it? (Beard, 90) ibidem (ibid.) Latin Pronunciation: IH-bih-dem English Translation: in the same place Explanation: Abbreviated Ibid. in a footnote, and often italicized because it is Latin, Ibid. makes reference to an identical source cited in an immediately preceeding footnote. (Ehrlich, 85) id est Latin Pronunciation: id est English Translation: that is Explanation: This scholarly term, abbreviated i.e., is used in identical fashion as its English translation: to clarify a statement just made. The abbreviation i.e. is heard more and more in speech of those who do not know the Latin phrase--nor even the meaning of the term--so misuse is almost as common as correct use. The most frequent mistake reflects confusion of i.e. with e.g. (Ehrlich, 85) I.N.R.I. abbreviation for Iesus Nazarenus Rex Iudaeorum Latin Pronunciation: YAY-suus nah-zah-RAY-nuus reks yoo-die-OH-ruum English Translation: Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews Explanation: Frequently seen in paintings of the crucifixion in the sign placed over Jesus's head. The phrase "Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews" was written in Latin, Hebrew, and Greek. Maybe the artists were in a hurry or didn't know Hebrew or Greek so they settled for the Latin acronym. in hoc signo vinces Latin Pronunciation: in hawk SIH-gnoh WIN-kays English Translation: in this sign thou shalt conquer Explanation: Emperor Constantine, on his way to battle, is said to have seen a cross appear in the sky, carrying these words. He had the message painted on his standard and went on to victory. (Ehrlich, 85) in loco parentis Latin Pronunciation: in LAW-koh pah-REN-tees English Translation: in the place of a parent Explanation: Anyone who serves in loco parentis may be considered to have responsibilities of guardianship, either formal or informal, over minors. (Ehrlich, 85) in vino veritas Latin Pronunciation: in WEE-noh WAY-rih-tahs English Translation: wine loosens the tongue Explanation: There are sleeping drunks and fighting drunks and quiet drunks and talkative drunks. In vino veritas an old Roman proverb, with the literal meaning "in wine the truth," tells us that people under the influence of wine or other spirits will say things they ordinarily try to conceal. (Ehrlich, 85) ipso facto Latin Pronunciation: IH-psoh FAH-ktoh English Translation: by that very fact Explanation: Ipso facto has the meaning of "absolutely, regardless of all other considerations of right and wrong." "By ordering troops into the presidential palace, the general was ipso facto guilty of treason." (Ehrlich, 85) ius primae noctis Latin Pronunciation: yoos PREE-my NAW-ktis English Translation: A feudal lord had the right, literally "right of the first night," to share the bed of his vassal's bride on her wedding night. This custom, not always practiced, one must believe, gave way to requiring payment of a sum of money to the lord in lieu of exercise of ius primae noctis. Explanation: explanation (Ehrlich, 85) magna cum laude Latin Pronunciation: MAH-gnah kuum LOW-deh English Translation: with great praise Explanation: Second highest honors in a university degree. (See Cum Laude and Summa Cum Laude) (Ehrlich, 85) mea culpa Latin Pronunciation: MAY-ah KUUL-pah English Translation: I am to blame Explanation: This phrase, literally "through or by my fault," is heard in the confessional and in certain Christian prayers. When maxima (MAH-ksi-mah) is added, the resulting phrase, mea maxima culpa, literally means "through or by my very great fault." (Ehrlich, 85) mens sana in corpore sano Latin Pronunciation: mens SAH-nah in KAWR-paw-reh SAH-noh English Translation: a sound mind in a sound body Explanation: Juvenal, in his Satires, suggests to us that we must pray for attainment of mens sana in corpore sano, and his phrase has found use for many centuries as the stated educational goal of many schools: to train the body as well as the mind. Public statements by some near-illiterate college athelets suggest that the sound body is too often achieved without acccompanying improvement of mind. (Ehrlich, 85) modus operandi Latin Pronunciation: MAW-duus aw-peh-RAHN-dee English Translation: manner of working Explanation: Every devotee of crime stores knows this phrase and the police abbreviation for it, M.O., designating the pattern a criminal typically follows in pursuing his felonious ways. But modus operandi, is not restricted to police use. Any work plan or scheme for doing a job may be termed a modus operandi, pronounced MOHD-dus ahp-uh-RAN-dee in English. (Ehrlich, 85) natura abhorret a vacuo Latin Pronunciation: nah-TOO-rah ahb-HAWR-ret ah WAH-koo-oh English Translation: Nature abhors a vacuum Explanation: An observation advanced by Decartes. (Ehrlich, 95) naufragium in portu facere Latin Pronunciation: how-FRAH-gee-UUM in PAWE-too FAH-keh-reh English Translation: To snatch defeat from the jaws of victory Explanation: This apt nautical metaphor, "to shipwreck in port," may be used to describe the action of anyone who manages to fail when on the verge of success. (Ehrlich, 95) noli irritare leones Latin Pronunciation: HOH-lee ihr-rih-TAH-reh lay-OH-nehs English Translation: Do not provoke the lions Explanation: Don't look for trouble. (Ehrlich, 95) nolo contendere Latin Pronunciation: HOH-loh kawn-TEN-deh-reh English Translation: I do not wish to contend Explanation: The plea of a defendant in a criminal proceeding who does not admit guilt but who states that he will offer no defense against the charges. The defendant may then be declared guilty, yet retain the right to deny the validity of that finding in related proceedings. "Spiro Agnew pled nolo contendere to a charge of income tax evasion." (Ehrlich, 85) non compos mentis Latin Pronunciation: nohn KAWM-paws MEN-tihs English Translation: not of sound mind Explanation: The legal expression used for any form of mental unsoundness. (Ehrlich, 85) non sequitur Latin Pronunciation: nohn SEH-kwih-tuur English Translation: it does not follow Explanation: A familiar way of indicating a logical fallacy: A conclusion offered cannot justly be inferred from the premises. The English pronunciation of non sequitur is non SEK-wee-tuer. (Ehrlich, 85) Obessa cantavit! Latin Pronunciation: Oh-bees-sah cahn-tah-weet English Translation: The fat lady has sung! Explanation: A final Latin phrase.(Beard, 90) opere citato (op. cit.) Latin Pronunciation: AW-peh-reh kih-TAH-toh English Translation: in the work cited Explanation: Known better in its abbreviated form op. cit, this scholarly phrase is used in a footnote to indicate reference to a work previously cited. For example, "Flexner, op. cit., p. 242." (Ehrlich, 85) opus magnum Latin Pronunciation: AW-puus MAH-gnuum English Translation: a masterpiece Explanation: Literally "a great work." Also given as magnum opus. (Ehrlich, 85) Pax Romana Latin Pronunciation: pahks roh-MAH-nah English Translation: Roman peace Explanation: Denotes the peace dictated by the impressive strength of the Roman military. (Ehrlich, 85) Perscriptio in manibus tabellariorum est Latin Pronunciation: pear-SKRIP-tee-oh een mah-nee-buus tah-behl-air-ee-oh-ruum est. English Translation: The check is in the mail. (Beard, 90) Explanation: The first of the three great lies. pollice verso Latin Pronunciation: PQWL-lih-keh WEHR-soh English Translation: thumbs down Explanation: When a gladiator in a Roman amphitheater had an opponent at his mercy, he customarily looked toward the spectators for guidance on whether to administer the coup de grace. If the spectators turned their thumbs toward their chests--pollice verso literally "with thumb turned"--they were making clear that they wanted to see the opponent killed. If they wanted the opponent to live, they kept their thumbs tucked inside their fists--pollice compresso (kawm-PRWS-soh), literally "with thumb folded." Our modern phrases of approval and disapproval, "thumbs up" and "thumbs down," do not ordinarily apply to situations of life and death, but they may derive from the Roman practice. (Ehrlich, 85) post hoc, ergo propter hoc Latin Pronunciation: pawst hawk EHR-goh PRAW-ptehr hawk English Translation: after this, therefore because of this Explanation: The logical fallacy that because one event follows another, the former must have caused the latter. (Ehrlich, 85) post meridiem (A.M.) Latin Pronunciation: pawst meh-REE-dee-em English Translation: After noon Explanation: The phrase we all know in its abbreviated form, P.M. See ante meridiem (Ehrlich, 85) post scriptum Latin Pronunciation: pawst SKRIH-ptuum English Translation: written afterward Explanation: Better known as P.S. (Ehrlich, 85) quid pro quo Latin Pronunciation: kwihd proh kwoh English Translation: something given in return for something Explanation: Literally "something for something." "I will not give up that privilege without a quid pro quo." The phrase has been taken into English, with the pronunciation unchanged. (Ehrlich, 85) quo vadis Latin Pronunciation: kwoh WAH-dihs English Translation: whither goest thou? Explanation: According to legend the apostle Peter was fleeing from Rome when he had a vision of Christ walking down the same road back into Rome. He asked Christ "Domine, quo vadis?" (Lord, whither goest thou?). Christ replied that he was going into Rome to be crucified again. After the vision, Peter returned to Rome and martyrdom. There is a small church just outside of Rome dedicated to this event. Re vera, cara mea, mea nil refert. Latin Pronunciation: Ray weh-rah, kah-rah mee-ah, mee-ah neel ray-fehrt. English Translation: Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn. (Beard, 90) Explanation: Rhett's closing remark to Scarlett in Gone With the Wind resquiescat in pace Latin Pronunciation: reh-kwee-EH-skaht ihn PAH-keh English Translation: may he or she rest in peace Explanation: The plural form of this final thought is requiescant (reh-kwee-EH-skahnt) in pace, "may they rest in peace." The abbreviation for both the singular and the plural is R.I.P. (Ehrlich, 85) Semper Fidelis Latin Pronunciation: SEM-pehr fih-DAY-lihs English Translation: always faithful Explanation: Motto of the United States Marine Corps. (Ehrlich, 85) Senatus Populusque Romanus Latin Pronunciation: seh-NAH-tuus paw-puu-LUUS-kweh roh-MAH-nuus English Translation: The Senate and the People of Rome Explanation: Abbreviated S.P.Q.R. and, for the Romans, emblematic of their constitution. (Ehrlich, 85) Si fractum non sit, noli id reficere Latin Pronunciation: see frak-tuum nahn seet, noh-lee eed ray-fee-kay-ray English Translation: If it ain't broke, don't fix it. (Beard, 90) Si hoc legere scis nimium eruditionis habes. Per contra, scientia est potentia. Latin Pronunciation: see hawk LAY-gher-ray skees nim-ee-uum EH-ru-DIT-e-oo-nees HA-bays. pehr KAWN-trah skee-EN-tee-ah est paw-TEN-tee-ah. English Translation: If you can read this you are over-educated. On the contrary knowledge is power. Explanation: A humorous jab an anyone who can read Latin, but with a sharpe retort. sic semper tyrannis Latin Pronunciation: seek SEM-pehr tih-RAH-nees English Translation: thus ever to tyrants Explanation: Motto of Virginia, and said to be the words shouted by John Wilkes Booth after assassinating Abraham Lincoln. (Ehrlich, 85) summa cum laude Latin Pronunciation: SUUM-mah kuum LOW-deh English Translation: with highest praise Explanation: Highest honors in a university degree. (See Cum Laude and Magna Cum Laude) (Ehrlich, 85) te hominem esse memento Latin Pronunciation: tay HAW-mih-nem ES-seh meh-MEN-toh English Translation: remember, you are a man Explanation: And nothing more. (Ehrlich, 85)When a Roman general was given a victory parade to celebrate his victories in battle a slave rode in the chariot with him. As the crowds cheered him, the slave would whisper this warning to him. tempus fugit Latin Pronunciation: TEM-puus FUU-giht English Translation: time flies Explanation: Who doesn't know this? Pronounced TEM-pis FYOO-jit in English. (Ehrlich, 85) tibi gratias agimus quod nihil fumas Latin Pronunciation: tee-bee grah-tee-us ah-ghee-muus kwod hee-heel fuu-mahs English Translation: Thank you for not smoking Explanation: A polite consideration for all of us who like to breath clean air. (Beard, 90) Utinam barbari spatium proprium tuum invadant! Latin Pronunciation: oo-tee-nahm bahr-bah-ree spay-tee-uum proh-pree-uum tuu-uum een-wah-dahnt English Translation: May barbarians invade your personal space! Explanation: A useful curse. (Beard, 90) veni, vidi, vici Latin Pronunciation: WAY-nee WEE-dee WEE-kee English Translation: I came, I saw, I conquered Explanation: The best known Latin sentence of them all, freely rendered as "a piece of cake," reported by Plutarch to have been uttered by Julius Caesar by way of reporting his victory in 47 B.C. over Pharnaces, king of Pontus. (Ehrlich, 85) Podex perfectus es Latin Pronunciation: poo-deks pear-fek-tuus ess English Translation: You are a total asshole. (Beard, 90) Stercorem pro cerebro habes Latin Pronunciation: stair-koh-rum proh kar-ra-broh hah-bays English Translation: You have shit for brains. (Beard, 90) Caput tuum in ano est Latin Pronunciation: kah-poot too-uhm in ah-noh est English Translation: You have your head up your ass. (Beard, 90) ReferencesBeard, Henry Latin For All OccasonsVillard Books a division of Random House, New York, 1990Ehrlich, Eugene Amo, Amas, Amat and More Harper & Row, New York, 1985 Ehrlich, Eugene Vini, Vidi, Vici Harper-Collins, New York, 1995 Back to Lionheart Home Page. |