Veni, vidi, vici… and other Latin Phrases!
Let’s face it — we were all tempted at some point to insert a pompous Latin phrase amid one of our essays — alea jacta est, sine qua non, verba volant scripta manent, and the infinite list never comes to an end.
However — and yes, I am looking at you, you amateur philosopher — it is vital to know the correct use of these phrases, and not use them as irresponsibly as I use my mother’s kitchen when cooking! It is important to acquire a rich toolbox from which you can drag the most appropriate each time
So — this article deals with exactly this! I have chosen 12 adorable Latin phrases, which I present in their full glory, enriching them with thoughtful historical comments and remarks.
I have splitted the 12 phrases into three subcategories — war, life and death, and, of course, you-write-that-you-get-an-A!
Enjoy, and… carpe diem!
War — Julius Caesar joins the chat!
Latin is Rome. Rome is war. War is Julius Caesar, and off with start with one of the most documented quotes of all time — you can see what is coming:
Veni, vidi, vici: Literally means I came, I saw, I conquered, and who else could have said that other than the glorious statesman? Three years before his murder (47 BC), Caesar demolished Pharnaces II of Pontus in a clash known as The Battle of Zela. The cruciality of the battle is self-evident: it ended the ambitions of king Pharnaces who wanted to expand his rule over Asia-Minor. And, of course, Caesar could not have found a more precise way to describe his victory to the Senate!
Casus belli: Translated word-by-word, it reads Occasion for war, and is nowadays used as a diplomatic term. Used in both World Wars, the Vietnam War, the 2003 invasion of Iraq, the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, and in many more instances, it is worth mentioning its historical background: despite what one may think, the term itself is not credited to the ancient Latins! In fact, humanist Hugo Grotius, and jurist Cornelius van Bynkershoek (both lived in the 17th century) are coined first using this term in their writings — and it has since evolved as a rationale of military action.
Hannibal ad portas: A genuine Latin phrase! Hannibal is at the gates was the absolute nightmare for scared Romans back in the day — and is still used to indicate extreme fear and anxiety. Hannibal in fact never — yes, never — was at the gates. In fact, despite his immense wins against the Romans, he never attempted to capture Rome, continuing his military attempts in North Italy!
Sic semper tyrannis: Also the state motto of Virginia! It literally means thus always to tyrants indicating that, no matter what, tyrrants will always be overthrown. There are, in fact, two theories regarding the origin of this phrase: the first suggests that it was used on the ocassion of the last king’s of Rome son getting expelled from the city, due to him raping a woman! The second, more modest one, asserts that senator Marcus Brutus originated the phrase after assassinating dictator Julius Caesar (sounds familiar?), in 44 BC.
Si vis pacem, para bellum: Our grant finale — If you want peace, prepare for war! The phrase presents the insight that the conditions of peace are often preserved by a readiness to make war when necessary. It was coined by Vegetius, a write of the late Roman empire (4th century). Its influence is so huge in the modern status quo (another Latin phrase — google it!), that even George Washington restated the phrase, saying in the Congress in 1790 To be prepared for war is one of the most effectual means of preserving peace.
Life and Death
The Romans were not all about wars — and in this section we will learn about five more fascinating phrases!
Memento mori: Starting off positively! However, death is indeed inevitable — and this is probably what Democritus, Plato, and Marcus Aurelius — to which this idea is commonly attributed — also thought. Its influence on modern cultures and religion movements is huge, especially in Buddhism, Judaism, and Christianity. Bonus: search for Mexico’s Day of the Dead!
Carpe diem: We all know what it means — seize the day! — but where does it come from? A work of Horace dating back to 23 BC is the answer! As part of a large ode, carpe diem conveys that since the future is unforeseen, one should not leave to chance future happenings — instead, one should try to his best of efforts to improve his future through his current actions.
Tabula rasa: Well, this literally means black slate. Metaphorically, though, it expresses the idea that each one of us is born like a blank sheet of paper, and only our later perceptions and experiences shape us. But why tabula rasa? This phrase, in fact, originates from the Roman tabula, a wax-covered tablet used for notes, which was blanked (rasa) by heating the wax and then smoothing it. Bamboozling, eh?
Mors tua, vita mea: Life is harsh: your death, my life. I know, I know: I promised sources — however, the source of this so realistic phrase is not known — all we can be sure of is that it dates back to the Medieval Ages.
Yοu-write-that-you-get-an-Α
My favourite — by far — category. Here we simply are not too serious:
Veni, vidi, visa: Shoot — Caesar must be really disappointed right now. I came, I saw, I charged — probably the life of a modern Greek right now!
subductisupercilicarptor: The letters! Count the letters! What does this monstrosity mean? An overly critical person, an ultra censorious person, an eyebrow-raising fault-finder— yes, all these. Together.
Our glorious finale. No words needed:
