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!
#63
"Malum consilium quod mutari non potest" - "Bad is the plan that cannot change"
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#64
"Acta deos numquam mortalia fallunt" - "Mortal actions never deceive the gods"
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#65
"Condemnant quo non intellegunt" - "They condemn that which they do not understand"
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#66
"Aut viam inveniam aut faciam" - "I will either find a way or make one"
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#67
"Qui totum vult totum perdit" - "He who wants everything loses everything"
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#68
"Mea navis aëricumbens anguillis abundant" - "My hovercraft is full of eels"
Not every Latin phrase must be enlightening; others are purely humorous. This one, from Monty Python's "Dirty Hungarian Phrasebook," verbatim translates to "My hovercraft is full of eels."
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#69
"Surdo oppedere" - "To belch before the deaf"
Simply put, according to Desiderius Erasmus' "Adagia" (1508), surdo oppedere means a useless action.
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8points
#70
"Mortuum flagellas" - "You are flogging a dead one"
This Latin phrase refers to criticizing someone who won't be impacted by the criticism in any way.
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8points
#71
"Hei mihi! Quod nullis amor est medicabilis herbis" - "Oh me! Love can not be cured by herbs"
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#73
"In absentia lucis, Tenebrae vincunt" - "In the absence of light, darkness prevails"
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#74
"Sic gorgiamus allos subjectatos nunc" - "We gladly feast on those who would subdue us"
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#75
"Flectere si nequeo superos, Acheronta movebo" - "If I cannot move Heaven, I will raise Hell"
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#76
"Libertas perfundet omnia luce" - "Freedom will flood all things with light"
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#80
"Fere libenter homines id quod volunt credunt" - "Men generally believe what they want to"
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