Life Latin: Best Latin Phrases for 2017
Aquila Simmons, Wellington
Carpe Diem- A classic phrase used as an inspirational motto for people of action who "seize the day." This can be used for everday activities like enjoying dessert or even large decisions about going for what you want.
Eugepae!- This simple Latin word is a useful addition to your dictionary meaning "hurray" or "bravo" and is often an explamation shouted in joy when yay just doesn't cover it.
Pro di Immortales- A Roman version of modern swearing. This word coupling expresses frustration through classy classic terms meaning "By the Gods!"
Brutum fulmen- This Latin dictum written by Pliny the Elder means "senseless thunderbolt" and is used to label empty threats. It is a quality phrase for anyone's dictionary; ready for any unrealistic claims or attacks.
Cui bono?- A basic question that is always worth being asked: this question means "Who benefits?" Seriously, you do things all the time, haven't you stopped to ask why?
Vox nihili- These words translate to "voice of nothing," in contrast to vox populi which is the "voice of the people." Vox nihili refers to pointless statements which don't reflect any relevance to the conversation or to life.
Mea culpa- While fairly well used in common diction, this is a term all people should know. As John Maxwell said: "A man must be big enough to admit his mistakes, smart enough to profit from them, and strong enough to correct them." That begins with accepting blame and saying "my fault."
Sub rosa- A Roman phrase meaning "secretly" or "under the radar," move over "down low," "sub rosa" is on its way in.
Rara avis- While a direct translation for this term is "rare bird," the label can be used to refer to any unusual person, good to keep in mind if your friend is tired of you calling them special.
Ab ovo usque ad mala- This phrase which directly means "from the eggs to the apples" is a handy phrase for everyday use to mean "from the beginning to the end," it would correlate to the modern phrase "with you all the way."
Cum grano salis-
A simply addition to any statement or promise is this clause meaning "with a grain of salt" or not to believe something is exactly how it was presented. It is always prudent to assume a slight inaccuracy in statements so this addition is a useful one to know.
Festina lente- A warning to careless souls, this saying means "hurry slowly," or "haste makes waste;" it is a good reminder to ensure things are done properly.
Ipso facto- Although used in English to mean "therefore" the direct translation is "by the fact itself," meaning that something is self-evident or that certain facts are innately true.
Novus ordo seclorum- This interesting phrase is the Latin for "new order of the ages," that seems important, just in case...
Verbum sapienti- This idiom is deep and sounds very smart when said to uncomprehending friends. It means "a word to the wise is enough," for those who don't fall in the wise category that means "wise people follow good advice."
12 OJCL TORCH: Voices Winter MMXVII https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjB6MPV-L3RAhVMNiYKHUL8A4EQjRwIBw&url=https%3A%2F%2Fmagistrabush.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F09%2F23%2Fjcl-t-shirt-contest%2F&psig=AFQjCNHBUl5DxFMgey96R-DH1Oh37W6Q0A&ust=1484356401987376