Cool Latin words originate from the ancient Latin language used by the mighty Romans ages ago. We’ve collected some of the Latin words that sound cool, along with their meanings. You will also find some Latin quotes and phrases that you can permanently etch on your skin. But first, let’s understand more about these Latin words.
Cool Words in Latin: Why Are They Still Used?
While you may spot the occasional use of Latin in scholarly articles, zoo exhibit signs, or anatomy textbooks, Latin hasn’t been commonly used or written for hundreds of years. Yet, its influence may still be seen in the vocabulary of both Germanic and Romance, sometimes called Romantic, languages.
In fact, you probably use many ordinary, famous, or cool Latin phrases in your speech or writing without even realizing it! Common Latin phrases such as et cetera, ad hoc, per se, vice versa, or CV (short for curriculum vitae) occasionally sneak into our vocabulary without us directly acknowledging it.
However, unlike swear or slang words, cool Latin phrases and expressions help enrich our speech. Hence, such lingo ‘imposters’ are very much welcome and encouraged, even. And although idioms and quotes are excellent devices for delivering a memorable speech, cool phrases in Latin can be just as powerful.
Cool Latin Phrases & Their Meanings
Below, we’ve compiled some cool Latin words and meanings and some phrases that you may as well use in your everyday or professional language. Just ensure you use them in the proper context! Are there any famous Latin phrases you use often? Let us know in the comments! Also, upvote a cool Latin phrase (or two) you saw on the list that you might add to your vocabulary!
#41
"Amor et melle et felle est fecundissimus" - "Love is rich with both honey and venom"
A mixture of sweet and bitter. That's exactly what love is, and Ancient Romans knew it too.
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10points
#42
"Homo sum humani a me nihil alienum puto" - "I am a human being, so nothing human is strange to me"
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10points
#43
"Alea iacta est" - "The die has been cast"
This is another Julius Caesar phrase that he said when entering Italy and starting the protracted civil war against Pompey and the Optimates. The meaning of the phrase is the “point of no return.”
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9points
#44
"Carthago delenda est" - "Carthage must be destroyed"
Cato the Censor, a Roman politician, used to end all of his speeches to the Senate with this line before the Third Punic War between Rome and Carthage. While he did this in an attempt to advance the war, the expression is now often used figuratively to signify full approval of a concept.
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9points
#45
"Quid pro quo" - "Something for something"
Or ‘this for that’. Essentially, this Latin phrase refers to favor given in exchange for another turn.
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9points
#46
"Status quo" - "The existing state (of affairs)"
Refers to the situation at the moment. For example, “a person is comfortable with the status quo and isn’t looking for a change.” It is typically applied regarding social or political issues.
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9points
#47
"Sui generis" - "Of its/his/her/their own kind"
Refers to something or someone special and distinct from others belonging to a class of its own. For example, "Frida Kahlo is an original artist; each of her works is sui generis."
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9points
#48
"Sine qua non" - "Without which, not"
Refers to something absolutely essential. Arguably a clearer translation would be, "Without (something), (something else) won't be feasible." For example, "Creativity is a sine qua non for working as a copywriter."
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9points
#49
"Me vexat pede" - "My foot itches"
The Latin phrase me vexat pede means something similar to the English sayings, "a pebble in one's shoe" or "nipping at one's heels." It's used to refer to a pointless situation or bothersome individual.
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9points
#50
"Dulce est desipere in loco" - "It is sweet on occasion to play the fool / It is pleasant to relax once in a while"
There's no need to be all serious all the time. Setting aside one's pride and unwinding for some time, even if it's in engaging in something silly, can certainly benefit everyone.
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9points
#51
"Audentes fortuna iuvat" - "Fortune favors the bold"
Apparently, these were Pliny the Elder's final words before he sailed away from Pompeii's docks in 79 to save his friend Pomponianus from the eruption of Vesuvius. Many Roman authors used this as their mantra for the brave, successful, and those who strive for greatness. Another interpretation of this Roman proverb can be found in the English adage, "Nothing ventured, nothing gained."
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9points
#52
"Ita vero" - "Yes"
Apparently, having no word for "yes," the Romans preferred to react to questions with the affirmative or negative of the question (for example, "Are you hungry?" would be answered with "I am hungry" or "I am not hungry," not "Yes" or "No").
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9points
#53
"Aut Caesar aut nihil" - "Either Caesar or nothing"
It's pretty much a Latin equivalent for “all or nothing.” The infamous Italian cardinal Cesare Borgia lived by this maxim. The phrase can now be used to refer to the unyielding desire to succeed.
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9points
#54
"Si vis amari ama" - "If you want to be loved, love"
"Don't expect love without giving it" and "you cannot ask for love from those you do not love yourself" are two possible interpretations of the phrase.
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9points
#57
"Finis vitae sed non amoris" - "The end of life, but not of love"
The saying goes that love never fades, even after one's gone. Therefore, this moving phrase refers to grieving someone who has passed when you still love them and will continue to do so.
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9points
#59
"Respice finem" - "Consider the end"
This Latin phrase again refers to the temporality of life. This phrase reminds one to live life so that it will be worth it in the end, whenever that end comes.
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9points
#60
"Omnes una manet nox" - "The same night awaits us all"
Ancient Romans really took "temporality" seriously. In this context, "one night" refers to the final moments of our lives or the passing.
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9points
