6 Latin Phrases You Need to Know

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!”