kolorum

Tagalog

Etymology

Corruption of Latin in saecula saeculōrum (“for ever and ever”, literally “unto the ages of ages”), a calque of Ancient Greek εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων (eis toùs aiônas tôn aiṓnōn, literally “into the ages of the ages”). The Latin phrase was frequently uttered in rituals during the 1800s by members of the religious order Cofradía de San José (“Confraternity of Saint Joseph”), organized by Filipino religious leader Apolinario de la Cruz, also known as Hermano Pulé (“Brother Pule”). The usage of the phrase by the order was deemed illegal or unofficial to the Catholic Church. Thus, the religious order was considered as a cult and/or a political organization. The use of the term extended to various unrelated organizations established during the American rule that were characterized by Roman Catholic devotion, folk superstition, or hero worship.

Pronunciation

(Standard Tagalog) IPA^(key): /koˈloɾum/ [koˈloː.ɾʊm]
Rhymes: -oɾum
Syllabification: ko‧lo‧rum

Noun

kolorum (Baybayin spelling ᜃᜓᜎᜓᜇᜓᜋ᜔) (originally slang, now colloquial)

colorum (rebel organization characterized by religious fanaticism)
any unlicensed or unregistered property or activity (such as firearms, vehicles, operations, businesses, deals, services, etc.)

Related terms

Adjective