latinorum
See also: Latinorum
Italian edit
Etymology edit
Unadapted borrowing from Latin latinōrum. The plural genitive ending is to make the word sound more Latin. Popularized by Alessandro Manzoni in The Betrothed (see quotations).
Pronunciation edit
Noun edit
latinorum m (invariable)
- (chiefly humorous) the usage of Latin, aimed at not being understood
- 1840–1842, Alessandro Manzoni, chapter II, in I promessi sposi[1], Milan: Guglielmini e Redaelli, published in I promessi sposi - Storia della colonna infame:
- “Si piglia ella giuoco di me? Che vuol’ella ch’io faccia del suo latinorum?” ¶ “Dunque, se non sapete le cose, abbiate pazienza, e rimettetevene a chi le sa.”
- "Are you mocking me? What am I supposed to do with your Latin gibberish?" ¶ "Then, if you don't understand things, be patient, and rely on those who do."
- (by extension) mumbo jumbo
- Synonym: (colloquial) supercazzola
Further reading edit
- latinorum in Treccani.it – Vocabolario Treccani on line, Istituto dell'Enciclopedia Italiana
Latin edit
Adjective edit
latīnōrum