I was recently asked to work on a project for a client and was not provided with all the information. When I sent them what I did, I wrote a favorite Latin expression of mine: A pila est in atrium, meaning the ball is in your court!
That is an obscure expression, but it got me thinking that many Latin words (or abbreviations) are used frequently in everyday talk, so I prepared the following shortlist. I hope you enjoy it.
The Latin word in bold italics is followed by a translation or meaning and then a brief comment.
- Agenda: Things to be done. This is usually done to prepare for a meeting.
- Alias: Sometimes known as. This is used when people adopt a different name.
- Alibi: Excuse. Proof of not being in the location of a crime.
- Ante meridiem (AM): Before noon. Indicates that the time is after midnight and through the morning.
- Post meridiem (PM): After noon. In the afternoon and evening.
- Meridiem (M): Noon or midday. Precisely at 12:00 Noon.
- Ad nauseum: On and on until one gets sick of it. For example, someone who chatters or something that is repeated indefinitely or on and on.
- Carpe diem: Seize the day. Take advantage of opportunities. This was used a few times in the movie Dead Poets Society.
- Confer: Bring together. Collaborate or work with someone.
- e.g. (Exempli gratia): For example. This is a common abbreviation when writing something and you want to provide an example.
- etc. (Et cetera): And other things. This is commonly used when someone wants to show that there are more examples than they provided.
- i.e. (Id est): That is. Used in writing to further explain something.
- Memento: Remember. Something to remember something, someone or an event.
- Memorandum (memo): Something written. Any short note might be considered a memo.
- Moratorium: A halt or delay. When you want to delay doing something or put it off temporarily.
- Par: A standard or a target. When you don’t feel well you might say you feel below par. In golf it is a target score.
- Quid pro quo: Something given in exchange for something else. You do something for me, and I’ll then do something for you.
- Status quo: The condition something is in, or an existing or prevailing situation. When you do nothing, you are maintaining the status quo.
- Tempus fugit: Time flies. Time won’t wait for you. Do not waste or squander time.
I hope you enjoyed this brief list.
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