Lily's Journey

In the interest of truth ... 

"Illegitmi non Carborundum" is probably intended as Latin for the phrase "don't let the bastards get (or grind) you down," something that's happened for the past few decades.

"Illegitmi non Carborundum" originated in the mind of a World War II British Intelligence officer, who didn't know Latin but took a stab at it anyway in one of his official reports. You know military brass love stuff like that, so both British and American militaries began using the phrase. From there, it leaked its way into society and it's been passed along by others who mistakenly believe the pop version of a foreign language. That phrase makes no sense at all in any known language, and it sure isn't something anyone would have been saying at the Roman Forum.

For starters, "illegitimi" (even when spelled correctly) is not the Latin word for "bastard."  Maury Povich wasn't around to provide DNA tests in old Rome, so they needed two words. A child of unmarried parents was either a "nothos" (a bastard whose father is known) or "spurius" (if the father's unknown.)

And "carborundum" sounds as Latin as you can get. But it's not. Carborundum is just an extremely hard metal used for grinding.

If you'd like a more accurate translation for the sentiment you'd hoped to express with that decades-old mistranslation, try Henry Beard's "Latin for Even More Occasions." The phrase can be found in a section of the book called "Dopey Exhortations Are More Forceful in Latin."

Michael S. Mann

michaelsmann@comcast.net

Another book to recommend to this person should be Spelling For Dummies

I know, it is a little off topic...but Mike, you must be the ONLY person in my entire life  that paid attention (and retained) anything from Latin class. 

Clayvoter & Mike,

After having to take 2 years of Latin in high school over 40 years ago, I have yet to come across any person in my life with whom I could converse using Latin.  I have, of course, been in some situations where a word or two popped up, but those were very few & very far apart.  Doing even simple arithmetic with Latin/Roman numerals is futile, at best & makes my head hurt & my ears wide.

I found that growing up in a predominately Polish-Puerto Rican neighborhood & taking an entry level course in Spanish while my wife & I were stationed in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba to be much more useful.  As far as Latin goes, well, there's two years of my life I'll never get back.  Fin.  JATFUR.

Rich K

Yes

I am aware of the orgin and history of the words and its loose translation.

Being ex- military and having many family members ex- military I still use this phrase.

Non the less my point was made, for you were able to understand it as will many others. 

Your opinions are greatly appreiciated.

"Ab imo pectore" 

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My second year of Latin, as a senior at Fletcher High School, was one of the best classes I ever had.  The combination of characters, personalities and strange situations throughout the school year made that particular class so much fun we all learned a little just by accident.

Toss those two years in with two years of French and a semester each of Spanish, German and ASL, and you end up with a person fluent in nothing but their native English.  But I can usually tell when I'm being cursed by a foreigner.

Michael S. Mann

michaelsmann@comcast.net

Mike,

Considering your language background, you sound like a handy man to have around the next time I go on a cruise.  Unfortunately, I, & if I recall, none of my class mates considered Latin fun.  Unfortunately, I didn't have the option of another language choice.  Latin was a requirement & it wasn't until my junior year that they made other languages available.  The catch?  They were all three year courses.  On the bright side, like you, I can figure out when I'm being cursed.  Que sera sera.  Es vivo.  C'est la vie. Nes Pas?  Karma, neh?  JATFUR.

Rich K

Quidquid latine dictum sit altum videtur

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"Whatever that is written in Latin is looked upon highly?"

I guess the truthfulness of that philosophy depends on who's doing the reading.  Some may be impressed, while others see it as just an attempt to impress.

Michael S. Mann

michaelsmann@comcast.net

I think that's the same statement I heard coming out of the animal control issue. No matter how much lipstick you put on a pig. Its still a pig. Things that make you go umm!

Mike,

Aside from any other thoughts on the pros or cons of the Latin language, it was good to see the quality of this thread & subject raised above the dirt & muck which it has previously wallowed in such a shameful & degrading manner.  If anybody noticed, of course.  Thanks for the upgrade.  JATFUR.

Rich K

Close Mike

"Whatever has been said in latin appears deep"

It is used to poke fun of those who use latin to make themselves appear smarter. Everything spoken in latin sounds profound. No disrespect intended.

This one is for Angela

"quod gratis assertur, gratus negatur"

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Res ipsa loquitur

Stercus accidit

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All things considered, excrement transpires.  JATFUR.

Rich K

Very good Solo

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th,

It seemed very appropriate in more ways than one.

RK

Solo

Believe it or not I am hopeful things may get better.

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th,

I do not.

RK

I just got the title you used. "All things considered."  You are a very clever blogger sir.

Sorry you feel that way.

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