Famous Latin Phrases: Silly Edition By Brigid Devine
1. Sextus est molestus!
2. Castigat ridendo mores
“Sextus is annoying!”
“Laughing corrects morals”
Our favorite Roman youth from the classic, Much like when we laugh at our friend’s
beloved Ecce Romani story who is the
(or our own) mistakes, laughter is often
epitome of annoyance!
the best medicine!
3. Panem et circenses
4. Raeda in fossa est
“Bread and circuses”
“The carriage is in the ditch”
This quote refers to basic needs and desires If this isn’t your favorite Latin phrase, it
—which are still largely applicable today— should be! The iconic moment of the Ecce
food and entertainment (did someone say Romani family’s carriage getting stuck in
Netflix)?
a ditch, as beautifully depicted over 7+
5. Quo signo nata es?
chapters of Ecce Romani, is forever
“What is your sign?”
branded in our minds like Geta’s forehead
When using this corny pick-up line, saying it was branded with the letters “FUG”.
in Latin will give it a special twist!
6. Radix lecti
7. Stultus est sicut stultus facit
“Couch potato”
“Stupid is as stupid does”
A very relatable Latin phrase, your
This classic insult, famously said in Forrest parents may describe you with this when
Gump, is one cliché that your non-Latin-
you’re procrastinating your Latin
taking friends definitely won’t recognize! homework (which you totally shouldn’t
Note: Please don’t insult your friends
do, by the way)!
Letters to the Delphic Oracle
By Julia Dean
Dear Delphic Oracle,
I need your help! There’s a certain nymph that is pulcherrimus, but she keeps rejecting
my advances. Eheu! What can I do so she thinks I’m fortissimus and we have a love story
greater than Pyramus and Thisbe?
-Lovesick in Latium
Dear Lovesick,
That situation is difficillumus. First of all, the key to landing a femina is to hone your
dashing good looks. Just like Polyphemus in Ovid’s Metamorphosis, you need to spruce
up you’re appearance a little. Run a rake through those gnarly locks. Trim your beard with
a sickle. Maybe even take a trip to the thermae. Ladies can’t resist a man who actually
takes the time for sanitation- this is pretty rare (considering Rome doesn’t have 21st
century plumbing).
Next, visit Circe for a looooove potion. Even though she tricked Glaucus and turned his
girlfriend’s feet into dogs, who knows? There’s always the off chance she actually helps
you. If Circe is playing her usual dirty games, just say a quick prayer to Cupid. Your lovely
will be hit with a gold tipped arrow in no time.
Lastly, never give up! Maybe this woman wishes to never marry, but if you chase her
down for long enough, she’s bound to turn into a tree which you can worship and love
forever (like Apollo and Daphne!). As long as you’re bonus and not molestus, you can
never go wrong.
Hope this helps. Bonam fortunam!
Delphic Oracle
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