Buzz
Even a casual interest in word origins reveals that a vast number of English terms trace back to Latin, the ancient language of Rome. Although English is classified as a Germanic language rather than a Romance one (the latter deriving from Vulgar Latin), it heavily incorporates vocabulary from diverse sources.
To say English 'borrows' might be an understatement; it’s more apt to say it ambushes other languages, rummaging through their linguistic pockets for useful words. This hybrid language of ours is brimming with Latin-derived terms. The following 10 words were chosen for their fascinating histories, unexpected early uses, or the subtle shifts in their meanings over time—sometimes all three. While not exhaustive, these are some of the most notable ancient Roman terms still in use today.
10. Decimate
Today, 'decimate' typically describes a major defeat or the loss of a large, unspecified number, such as 'the plague decimated Europe’s population.' Originally, the term had a precise military meaning in ancient Rome, referring to a specific form of destruction involving exact numerical reduction.
The prefix 'dec' is universally recognized as relating to the number ten, evident in words like 'decade' and 'decimal.' Consequently, decimation originally meant reducing something by a tenth. This concept was applied as a disciplinary measure in the Roman legions. Units that rebelled or failed in battle faced decimation—where one out of every ten soldiers was randomly chosen and executed in a brutal manner: clubbed to death by their fellow soldiers.
While certainly not a desirable fate, this random punishment method fostered loyalty and peak performance among soldiers, as it incentivized them to support and motivate each other. It was highly effective, contributing to the Roman military's fearsome reputation. Moreover, it was perceived as fair by the troops—at least by the nine out of ten who survived.
9. Circus
Today, the word 'circus' typically conjures images of acrobats, animal performances, or large family events. Although the modern circus originated in 18th-century England, the term itself has much older roots, tracing back to ancient Rome.
Without delving too deeply into its etymology, the word shares its origin with 'circle,' signifying something round. Ancient Roman amphitheaters, known as circuses due to their shape, were venues for events like chariot races and gladiatorial combat. Modern circus arenas, though similarly circular and led by a ringmaster, are far removed from the bloodsport spectacles of their Roman predecessors, making them more suitable for family entertainment.
Certain modern circus practices, like the use of trained animals, are remnants of ancient Roman traditions. While critics rightly highlight concerns about animal treatment in circuses today, at least in ancient Rome, lions were occasionally rewarded with a human meal. The most renowned Roman amphitheater, the Circus Maximus, functioned for over a millennium. Its name, roughly meaning 'big round place,' suggests its creator wasn’t exactly a wordsmith.
8. Urine
The English term 'urine,' referring to the liquid waste expelled by the kidneys, originates from the Latin word 'urina.' Though now deemed largely useless, urine had significant value in ancient Rome. The Romans not only popularized the term but also found diverse applications for it, leading Emperor Nero to impose a 'urine tax' in the 1st century AD.
The Romans employed urine in surprisingly innovative ways. Beyond its historical use in leather tanning, they utilized it as a cleaning agent and even a beauty product. Thanks to its chemical properties, urine served as an effective laundry detergent and was believed to whiten teeth, making it a common ingredient in mouthwash and toothpaste. This practice persisted in dental hygiene products until the 18th century.
Ever resourceful, the Romans also used urine as invisible ink for secret messages hidden within official documents. These messages became visible only when heated, serving as an early espionage tool. While it’s unlikely modern spies like James Bond would adopt such methods, this practice gave rise to the phrase 'read between the lines.' Historically, it seems the term 'piss poor' doesn’t quite hold up.
7. Triumph
In contrast to 'decimate,' 'triumph' signifies victory or success, used both as a noun and a verb. In ancient Rome, a triumph referred to the grand parade and celebrations held in honor of a victorious general returning to the city.
The senate bestowed triumphs, but only if specific conditions were met: at least 5,000 enemy casualties in a battle that decisively concluded a war. These celebrations were so extravagant that a slave was tasked with reminding the general of his mortality during the festivities to prevent him from believing he was divine. Victories that didn’t meet the criteria for a triumph were granted the lesser honor of an ovation, a term still in use today.
Only the most exceptional commanders received multiple triumphs. Pompey was honored with three during his lifetime, but Julius Caesar surpassed him by granting himself four consecutive triumphs in 46 BC. The last of these celebrated his victory over Pompey’s faction in the civil war. However, Caesar’s triumph was fleeting, as he was assassinated just 18 months later amid fears of his growing power—likely prompting that mortality-reminding slave to say, 'I told you so.'
6. Rubicon
According to Merriam-Webster, 'Rubicon' signifies a boundary that, once crossed, commits someone irrevocably. Today, the term is often used to describe a pivotal moment with irreversible consequences. It gained prominence through South African leader P.W. Botha’s 1985 Rubicon speech, though he notably avoided crossing the figurative Rubicon rather than embracing it.
The historical Rubicon moment took place in 49 BC when Julius Caesar led the 13th legion across the Rubicon River in Northern Italy, an act that plunged him into civil war. As governor of Cisalpine Gaul, Caesar was prohibited from bringing his army into the republic. Defying this, he crossed the Rubicon—the official northern border—under arms, sparking a three-year civil war.
This event also gave rise to the phrase 'The die has been cast,' symbolizing a point of no return. While it’s often claimed Caesar said this upon crossing the Rubicon, historical accuracy is uncertain, and it may have been attributed to him for dramatic effect. The truth remains a mystery.
5. Kaiser
Staying on the Caesar theme, he is credited with numerous enduring contributions, including the cesarean section, the Julian calendar, and the naming of July in his honor. He also 'discovered' Britain, though its indigenous inhabitants might contest that claim. Ironically, the British Empire later 'discovered' many lands, similarly unsettling local populations. One might say Britain took inspiration from the original 'I came, I saw, I conquered' mastermind.
Julius was the first Roman leader to bear the name Caesar, but far from the last. His successors expanded the family’s legacy to such an extent that early Germanic peoples began calling all Roman emperors 'Caesar.' The term became synonymous with 'emperor,' and over time, the rulers of Germany and Austria adopted the modified version: Kaiser.
The final official Kaiser was Wilhelm II, Prussia’s king, who led Germany during WWI and was compelled to abdicate in 1918 as the war drew to a close. While the term, like its Russian equivalent 'Czar,' has largely faded from modern use, it persists thanks to the famous South African soccer team Kaiser Chiefs and the UK band named after them.
Despite Caesar’s numerous contributions, how did we repay him? By naming a chicken salad after him, naturally. Go figure.
4. Plebian
Today, this term is often used as an insult, especially in its abbreviated form: 'pleb.' It describes something ordinary, unsophisticated, or widely popular but lacking refinement—much like reality TV. In 2012, British Conservative MP Andrew Mitchell resigned following the 'Plebgate' scandal, sparked by his use of the term to insult a group of police officers in a particularly vivid manner, which I won’t repeat here.
Originally, the term 'plebeian' in ancient Rome wasn’t an insult but a designation for the common citizens—those outside the patrician, senatorial, or equestrian classes. It was the class-conscious British in the 17th century who transformed it into a derogatory term for the lower class, or the so-called 'unwashed masses.' The negative associations persist today, as Andrew Mitchell learned the hard way.
While individual plebeians in ancient Rome were ordinary citizens, collectively they formed a powerful working-class group that drove the economy and posed a significant challenge to the ruling elite. Emperor Augustus sought to pacify them with food and entertainment, giving rise to the phrase 'bread and circuses.' This strategy of mass appeasement arguably remains in use today—and why not? It’s proven effective.
3. Testify
Since the Romans laid the foundation for modern legal systems, it’s no surprise that Latin terms dominate legal language. 'Testify,' the act of giving evidence under oath, is no exception, but its origins are particularly intriguing. While today oaths are sworn on religious texts like the Bible, the Romans, despite their pantheon of gods, opted for something more personal.
One popular theory suggests the word stems from the Roman practice of swearing oaths on one’s testicles. While not entirely verifiable, this idea persists despite alternative explanations. Some argue the term comes from the Latin 'testis,' meaning 'witness,' while others counter that the male anatomy was named as such because it 'bore witness' to virility. Interestingly, this practice of swearing on testicles, bizarre as it sounds, even appears in the Old Testament.
The truth behind this practice may remain a mystery, but it sparks intriguing questions. For instance, should we still adopt such methods? The threat of perjury pales in comparison to risking one’s most prized possessions. It’s unclear how Romans punished false testimony, likely because no sane individual would dare lie after such a solemn oath. While undeniably effective, this approach is impractical today—barbaric and exclusionary to women. Still, it’s an amusing thought.
2. Fascist
While Benito Mussolini popularized the concept of a dictator, the term itself traces back to ancient Rome, as does 'fascism,' the political system dictators favor. Naturally, both terms emerged in the same era, as fascism describes a rigid, authoritarian state under a dictator—fitting together like bread and circuses.
In Roman times, the fasces—a bundle of rods bound around an ax—symbolized law and order, carried by magistrates’ attendants called Lictors. Within Rome, the ax was removed to signify citizens’ right to appeal rulings, though dictators and triumphant generals were exceptions. This emblem of absolute power is believed to be the origin of the term 'fascism.'
Mussolini didn’t invent his oppressive leadership style; he drew inspiration from his Roman heritage. His fascist party, founded in 1919, adopted the Roman fasces as its symbol. Ironically, 'fasces' simply means 'bundle' in English, a far cry from the menacing connotations of fascism and its roots in Mussolini’s extreme ideologies.
1. Salary
For every employee, 'salary' ranks among the most cherished words, alongside 'Friday,' 'weekend,' and 'raise.' Receiving monthly pay isn’t just essential for survival but also a measure of one’s professional value. In theory, the better your performance, the higher your earnings—though reality doesn’t always align. Interestingly, the term 'salary' originally referred to a common condiment we often overlook today.
The word 'salary' traces back to ancient Rome, where soldiers were compensated not with gold but with salt—a valuable and practical commodity due to its scarcity. Salt’s worth extended beyond Rome, as many civilizations used it for trade and payment. This historical practice is why we still describe a skilled individual as 'worth their salt.'
Times have changed, and salt has become so abundant that restaurants offer it freely—a concept that would astonish a Roman soldier from 2000 years ago. Today, health experts recommend limiting sodium intake, and I, for one, would be far from thrilled if my employer handed me a bag of salt at month’s end. While the custom has faded, the term endures.
