Latin phrases have been in literature for, well, ever.
In the
last decade Harry Potter has given us some great examples like, "xpecto
patronum” (I await a protector) a spell for protecting himself against the Dementors.
I have selected 6 Latin phrases you need to know and, more importantly, use.
1. Valentine
Amor Vincit Omnia – Love Conquers All Things
And even better…
Amor Vincit Omnia, Nos Et Cedamus Amori – Love Conquers All
Things, let us yield to love.
2. Oh, what to do?
Auribus Teneo Lupum - holding a wolf by the ears
This is great quote to be used to describe an
unsustainable situation, and in particular one in which both doing nothing and
doing something to resolve it are equally risky. Damned if you do, damned if you don't.
3. You lucky bugger!
Felix culpa - happy fault
An apparent mistake or disaster that actually ends up having
surprisingly beneficial consequences.
4. Pluck it
Carpe Diem – Seize the Day
Carpe Noctem – Seize the Night
Carpe Noctem is essentially the nocturnal equivalent of
carpe diem and means "seize the night." It too is used to encourage
someone to make the most of their time; enjoying themselves in the evening once
a hard day’s work is done.
The literal meaning is Pluck the Day or Pluck the Night…not
as powerful!
5. Gym Time
Per Angusta Ad Augusta – through trial to triumph
Work your ass off—literally!
6. This is the best you
got, Rene?
Cogito Ergo Sum - I
think, therefore I am
How did this become so
famous? I’m like “duh!”
