ALEA JACTA EST

Carpe Diem & Other Latin Phrases You Can Add to Your Personal Vocabulary!

Image: Luca Tosoni

There’s a common misconception that Latin is a dead language. While nowadays no one gets caught in a pleasant conversation in Latin about the weather, the truth is that this ancient language is by no means completely extinct. For instance, it is still routinely used by the scientific world: the scientific names of animals and plants are strictly written in Latin. And, perhaps more importantly for this article, there are a myriad of Latin phrases that we still employ in our everyday lives.

Here are ten selected Latin phrases that are still extremely relevant in our modern world. Keep on reading, maybe you’ll find a new motto to live by. Enjoy!

Image: Brett Jordan

We’ll start with a classic. This Latin phrase was made famous by Robin Williams in the 1989 film "Dead Poets Society", in which he plays a literature teacher committed to imparting his love of poetry to his students. Williams’ character uses this expression to encourage his students to "seize the day", and to make the most of what life has to offer.

With all due respect to this iconic film, it seems a more acceptable translation to this phrase would be to "pluck the day". The first written use of Carpe Diem comes from the Roman poet Horace, who lived during the 1st century B.C. Horace wrote, "Seize the day; put no trust in the morrow."

Image: Hannah Skelly

This Latin phrase, which means "always faithful", is mostly associated with the United States Marine Corps, since Semper Fidelis has been this military branch’s official motto since 1883. Usually shortened to "Semper Fi", this maxim is meant to reflect the marine’s devotion to the safety of their country.

Moreover, Semper Fidelis is also the official motto of cities like Abbeville in France and Exeter in England. It has also been the motto of several European families since the 16th century, particularly in England, Ireland, and France.

Image: Kelsey Knight

Having a few glasses of wine with some friends can definitively be a pleasant experience, but this Latin phrase serves as a reminder of what can happen when we have too much to drink. In Vino Veritas translates to "there’s truth in wine", which is a classier description of that feeling we can get the morning after when we grasp our heads in shock and think "Did I really say that?"

The first written record of this phrase dates back to the first century AD and was recollected by Roman author and philosopher Pliny the Elder. However, since Pliny classifies this saying as a popular proverb, it is likely that the origins of In Vino Veritas are even older.

Image: Marek Piwnicki

Just like with Carpe Diem, this Latin phrase can be an excellent piece of advice and motivation for those times when we need a little pick-me-up. Per Angusta Ad Augusta translates to "through difficulties to honors" or "through trial to triumph".

Whichever version you prefer, every meaning attributed to this expression seems to encourage us to push forward through adversity, with the promise of greater things on the horizon. Per Angusta Ad Augusta is a phrase particularly popular among those whose everyday lives include facing obstacles, such as soldiers, boxers, and first responders.

Image: Nemanja Peric

Veni, vidi, vici is attributed to Roman emperor Julius Caesar, and the story behind it reveals the leader’s more boastful side. Allegedly, Caesar wrote this phrase in a letter to the Roman senate informing victory by the Roman army in Zile, Turkey. In his letter, Caesar brags about the quick triumph achieved by simply stating "I came, I saw, I conquered".

Veni, vidi, vici is one of the most popular Latin phrases. From Caesar’s time until the late 17th century, it was mostly used in military contexts. Since then, it has been featured in several popular films, songs, and books.

Image: Neeraj Pramanik

If you ever find yourself visiting London’s stunning St. Paul’s Cathedral, go pay your respects to Sir Christopher Wren, the Cathedral’s architect, by visiting his tomb. You’ll come across a simple slab of black marble with an engraved inscription written by Wren’s son: Lector, si monumentum requiris, circumspice.

This short phrase translates to "Reader, if you seek a monument, look around you". Just by looking at this architectural masterpiece, we realize that these engraved words are truly a wonderful tribute to Wren’s legacy.

Image: Markus Spiske

Let’s travel back in history, to the dark and mysterious ages before we were able to return purchased items back to the store. In Ancient Rome, a common law advised buyers to thoroughly inspect the products they were buying before the transaction was completed since there was little to no recourse they could take against the sellers.

This rule of thumb was known as caveat emptor, which loosely translates to "let the buyer beware". Interestingly, the word "caveat" has been adopted by the English language, and it has retained a slightly similar meaning to caveat emptor.

Image: Tingey Injury Law Firm

This entry might feel a little bit like cheating, but it is too iconic to ignore it. When Rene Descartes introduced the first principle of his philosophy in 1637, he meant for it to reach a wider audience: Therefore, his now iconic principle, "I think therefore I am", was originally written in French.

However, in 1644, Descartes published his "Principles of Philosophy" completely in Latin, coining the famous expression Cogito Ergo Sum. This particular phrasing would later become the essential philosophical concept still studied to this day.

Image: Ruben Dario Faletto

Bronze can surely last a long time: Many museums proudly exhibit bronze statues, sculptures, and artworks made thousands of years ago by ancient civilizations. In that sense, Roman poet Horace was fully aware of this fact when he boasted about the quality of his prose. After all, he chose bronze to illustrate the timelessness of his poetry.

In his "Odes", Horace stated Exegi monumentum aere perennius. This pompous phrase literally translates to "I have made a monument more lasting than bronze". That being said, Horace’s bragging might be very well-deserved, considering we still read his contributions to poetry over 2000 years after his death.

Image: Mayur Gala

We’ll end with our favorite phrase, or at the very least the one we believe has the most powerful message.Amor Vincit Omnia is an expression first coined by Roman poet Virgil, and it can be translated to the simple yet deeply moving message "love conquers all things".

This phrase was popularized by timeless English authors, including the Bard himself: Shakespeare included Amor Vincit Omnia in his play "King John". It also appears in Chaucer’s iconic "Canterbury Tales", on which a character wears a distinctive brooch engraved with Amor Vincit Omnia.

MORE THAN JUST CATCHY PHRASES

Did You Know The Stories Behind These 12 Catchy Slogans?

Image: George Pagan III

Certain phrases transcend their condition as mere commercial jingles to become part of popular culture. These are the classic advertising slogans that have not just sold products but also etched themselves into the nation's collective memory.

From the iconic "Got Milk?" that adorned countless billboards to the spirited call of "Just Do It" that spurred a generation into action, these slogans have become cultural touchstones, symbols of an era, and the products that defined it. In this exploration of the most classic advertising slogans in America, we have unearthed twelve examples that will probably sound familiar to you.

Image: Taylor Smith

Let us get this one out of the way first. Few slogans resonate with the same universal motivation and rebellious spirit as Nike's timeless mantra, "Just Do It" Coined in 1988 by advertising executive Dan Wieden, these three simple words encapsulate a philosophy that transcends sportswear and simple salesmanship.

The genesis of the slogan came from an unexpected source - the final words of Gary Gilmore, a convicted murderer facing execution. Wieden transformed this stark declaration into a rallying cry, and it catapulted Nike into the cultural zeitgeist. "Just Do It" became more than a marketing slogan; it became an ethos encouraging action, perseverance, and the pursuit of one's goals.

Image: engin akyurt

L’Oreal´s " Because You’re Worth It" transcends its role as a cosmetic tagline to become a cultural mantra. Originating in 1971, the tagline "Because I’m Worth It" - a similar version of the modern slogan - was crafted by a young female copywriter, Ilon Specht, who sought to empower women by associating their beauty choices with intrinsic self-worth.

The recent intentional shift from "I'm worth it" to "You're worth it" aimed at fostering a collective sense of empowerment. This campaign marked a departure from traditional beauty advertising that often relied on unattainable ideals. Over the years, the phrase evolved into an enduring symbol of confidence, urging individuals to indulge in self-care without guilt.

Image: Joyce Panda

Few slogans have proven as irresistibly tantalizing as Lay's iconic declaration: "Betcha Can’t Eat Just One." Born in 1963, this snack-time battle cry emerged from the creative minds at the renowned BBDO advertising agency.

The phrase not only suggests the crispy, salty temptation of the chips but also playfully challenges the consumer's willpower. Originating in an era when indulgence wasn't just accepted but celebrated, the slogan perfectly encapsulates the joyous, carefree spirit of American snacking culture.

Image: Ilya Mashkov

"Have it your way" is a slogan that echoes through the corridors of American fast-food history, shaping not just consumer preferences but the very philosophy of Burger King.

Quite simply, the slogan aimed to empower consumers with the freedom to customize their burgers, a concept that resonated with the shifting tides of individualism in the 1970s. Burger King's bold proclamation, "Have It Your Way," became a declaration of culinary independence, inviting customers to break free from the uniformity of fast food.

Image: Jakayla Toney

"All The News That’s Fit to Print" was coined in 1897 by Adolph S. Ochs, the owner of The New York Times. This slogan expresses a commitment to journalistic excellence and integrity.

Ochs wanted to differentiate The Times from sensationalist competitors, emphasizing a dedication to delivering only relevant and accurate news to its readers. The phrase has become synonymous with the paper, enduring through tumultuous times in American history.

Image: Jeswin Thomas

Debuting in 2004 as the brainchild of Taco Bell's marketing team, "Think Outside the Bun" expressed the brand's bold departure from traditional fast-food fare. It urged consumers to reimagine their expectations and embrace what Taco Bell had to offer them.

The slogan captured the essence of the brand's commitment to culinary creativity and bold experimentation. Taco Bell's "Think Outside the Bun" not only became a commercial success but also symbolized a broader cultural shift in the fast-food landscape, emphasizing variety and flavor over convention.

Image: Christina Telep

Leaving the culinary themes for a bit, we encounter this iconic slogan, introduced in 2012 as part of Toyota's broader marketing strategy to evoke a sense of exploration and possibility.

"Let’s Go Places" is a slogan that transcends the automotive realm, embodying the freedom and optimism synonymous with the American dream. It reflects Toyota's commitment to innovation, reliability, and the uncharted roads that lie ahead.

Image: Harper van Mourik

"Belong Anywhere" is a phrase that transcends the realm of tourism and embodies the essence of a more real connection with a place. Created by Airbnb in 2014, this iconic slogan encapsulates the platform's vision of creating a world where anyone can feel at home, regardless of location.

"Belong Anywhere" serves as more than a marketing tagline, defining a cultural shift towards personalized and meaningful travel experiences.

Image: Michail Sapiton

"Think Different" is a revolutionary call to action created by Apple in 1997 during its period of resurgence. This iconic slogan marked a departure from conventional advertising strategies, emphasizing individuality and creativity over product features.

The phrase was rooted in the vision of Apple's co-founder Steve Jobs, celebrating those who dared to innovate, break boundaries, and embrace the power of unconventional thinking.

Image: Edgar Soto

A timeless declaration that transcends the world of marketing to become an enduring symbol of eternal love and commitment, the phrase "A diamond is forever" was created by De Beers in 1947.

By emphasizing the enduring quality of diamonds, De Beers successfully shifted the cultural perception of these gemstones, linking them intimately with the concept of everlasting love and commitment.

Image: CardMapr.nl

This is another slogan that transcended mere commerce to encapsulate the intangible value of life's experiences. Created in 1997, this iconic tagline transformed credit card marketing.

By emphasizing the priceless nature of certain moments, MasterCard elevated itself beyond a transactional tool to a conduit for life's most cherished experiences. The brilliance of this campaign lay in its universality; it resonated with consumers globally.

Image: Jagoda Kondratiuk

"Got Milk?" is a deceptively simple yet universally recognized slogan that left an indelible mark on American pop culture. Originating in 1993 as part of a campaign by the California Milk Processor Board, the tagline aimed to boost milk consumption.

From celebrities sporting milk mustaches to countless parodies, the slogan became more than a marketing tool, evolving into a catchphrase, symbolizing the essential role of milk in daily life.