Spectacular Latin phrases, first uttered in ancient times, remain part of modern life. Winged expressions are exploited when creating tattoos, are sent in SMS messages, are used in correspondence and in private conversation. Often people pronounce the Russian translation of such statements, not even suspecting their origin, history, associated with them.
Most popular latin phrases
There are expressions that came from the ancient language, which at least once in a life everyone heard. What Latin phrases can be called the most popular in the world?
"Alma Mater." The definition of "alma mater" for many centuries has been used by students to characterize the educational institution in which they receive higher education. Why were analogues of modern universities called “mothers-nurse”? Like many other Latin phrases, this one has the simplest explanation. Initially, at universities, young people were taught mainly philosophy and theology; the fashion for practical sciences arose later. Consequently, the institutions provided them with spiritual food.
Examples of such statements can be given for a long time. Say, “truth in wine” is a phrase in Latin sounding like “In vino veritas”, “unwanted guest” - “Persona non grata”, “Cui bono” - “look for someone who benefits”.
Emperors sayings
The rulers of antiquity also presented the world with many well-aimed expressions that have become winged. What famous phrases in Latin are attributed to emperors?
"Pecunia non olet." The fact that "money does not smell", mankind has learned thanks to the Roman emperor, who ruled at the very beginning of our era. One day, his son spoke disapprovingly about a new tax on public toilets, which was set by his father. Ruler Vespasian in response invited the heir to smell the coins brought by the tribute collectors.
"Oderint, dum metuant." Some historians claim that the father of a spectacular utterance is Caligula, famous for his own ruthlessness, who once ruled Rome. However, the bloodthirsty king just loved to say "let them hate if they are afraid." Like many Latin phrases, this expression came from the work of writers of those times.
"Et tu, Brute?" These words are pronounced under the betrayal of a person from whom the speaker did not expect anything like this. Nowadays, humorous meaning is often put into it. However, the phrase has a dark history, as it was pronounced before his death by Caesar, who noticed his best friend among his killers. By the way, this emperor also has the more positive expression “Veni, vidi, vici”, which translates as “came, saw, won”.
Latin phrases about life
"De gustibus non est disputandum." Nowadays, everyone knows that it’s useless to argue about tastes. Like many winged Latin phrases, this statement was actively used by the scholastics who lived during the Middle Ages. This was uttered when, for example, they wanted to avoid disputes about the beauty of a particular phenomenon, object, person. The author of the phrase remained unknown to the story.
"O tempora! O mores! ” - The quote, with the help of which a person is surprised at the times and morals inherent in modern people, is attributed to Cicero. But historians failed to establish its author precisely.
Statements about feelings
Latin phrases about love have also gained popularity in the modern world, often carried over to tattoos. Mankind knows that it is impossible to hide only love and cough, that there is no cure for this feeling. Perhaps the most popular expression, whose author remains unknown, sounds like “Amor caecus”. In Russian, the expression translates as "love is blind."
Offers Latin language and quotes related to the end of love, breakup. For example, “Abiens, abi!”, A statement saying that if the decision to leave is made, you should not return to a hopeless relationship. There are other interpretations of the popular phrase, but the love meaning is most famous.
Finally, there are phrases in Latin with translation, which can be attributed to a double meaning. Say, the phrase “Fata viam invenient” translates as “you cannot hide from fate”. This can mean both a fateful meeting, and the inevitable separation of lovers. Most often, a negative meaning is invested in it, not always associated with love relationships.
Quotes about the war
The winged Latin phrases often touch on the topic of military operations, which was given maximum attention in the old days.
"Si vis pacem, para bellum." A loud expression in our language translates as "if you want peace - be ready for battle." The quote can be called the universal formula of imperialist wars, it was taken from the statement of the Roman historian who lived before our era.
"Memento mori." This expression is intended to recall the mortality of each person. Initially, it was pronounced, welcoming the rulers of Rome, returning to their homeland with victory. It was believed that she would prevent the emperor from being conceited by placing herself above the gods. There was even a special slave, obliged to periodically pronounce this expression.
Quotes about death
"De mortius aut bene, aut nihi." There is hardly a person who has never heard that nothing bad can be said about dead people - only good. The meaning of the phrase implies that if only bad things can be remembered about a person who has left this world, then it is better to remain silent. There are several versions of the origin of the utterance, most often it is attributed to the Greek sage Hilop, who lived before our era.
The winged Latin phrases captivate not only with beauty, but also with wisdom. Many of them still offer an effective solution to the complex problems faced by residents of the modern world, comforting people in sorrow.