The Greek meaning was “Horns” ( for animals, especially  insects) but it was Ezra Pound the first one to use this term in a new way (“My soul’s antennae” – the ending “Ae” is plural in Latin, the “S” belongs to English).

With the invention of radio and TV, this term was adopted to indicate the actual meaning.

Now that you know keep your antennae up and yes.. stay tuned.

Pier.

A  scimitar ( from Italian “scimitarra”) is a saber with a curved blade use by Turks and Arabs. In Italian the word for “sword” is “Spada” from Latin “Spatha”; the root “spa” is present in other languages but in English and German the word “Spade” has a different meaning (it’s a “false friend” meaning the sound is familiar but the word means something else).

“Chi di spada ferisce, di spada perisce” says the proverb, from the Latin “Qui gladio ferit, gladio perit” (He who lives by the sword, dies by the sword) or “Ferisce piu’ la lingua della spada” (Words are stronger than the sword).

That’s it for today, don’t forget to live by the spade..you know vegetables and stuff..

Pier.

“Insomnia” comes from… the Latin “In (negative) + somnus”  basically “sleepless”. In italian it’s almost the same (Insonnia) and “Avere sonno” means “to be sleepy”.

“Il sonno della ragione genera mostri” (The sleep of reason produces monsters); it’s a masterpiece produced by the Spanish painter Francisco Goya  and it’s the first thing that popped in my mind when we talk about “Sonno” – Although there is an expression “Dormire sonni tranquilli” (to have no qualms) that’s it’s also very popular -.

That’s it for today, no Reason (to) fear monsters. Have a nice rest.

Pier.

“Pungent”. The meaning is known; the etymology probably is not so clear. That’s why you are reading this blog (it’s a tough job but somebody has to do it..).

“Pungent” comes from the Latin verb ( something new..) “Pungere” (same in Italian) meaning “To sting”, therefore “Puncture” in English. Originally “Pungere” meant “To hit”  akin to “Pugnus” (Fist) that’s why  terms like “Pugilism” and “Pugnacious”.

I could go on for ever but I’m going to stop. Next time somebody tells you that Latin is a dead language show him your fists..

Ad maiora!

Pier.

There are different theories about this word’s etymology. The most common one says that “Bizarre” comes from the Basque “Bizar” meaning “Beard”. But it was Dante in his Divine Comedy ( canto 8 – Inferno) who used the term  ”Bizzarro” (circa 1300)  way before it was used in any other language. An other interesting detail it’s the meaning. While in Italian, French and English it means “Strange”, in Spanish it is used meaning  ”Generous” or “Brave”.

That’s it for today, I have to go, it’s time to shave..

Pier.

While we are growing old, objects grow old too, but they die much faster than us.

Time to go now. I have to write a letter to each of my friends to let them know I bought a new pocket calculator..

See you.

Pier.

Stay here.“Alcohol” comes from the Arabic “Al-Kuhl” but it meant ” a fine powder used for make up” ( a sort of eyeliner).

The modern use of the term comes from  Philippus Bombastus  a.k.a. Paracelsus, a German scientist, physician, a real Renaissance man, who was the first one to create the expression “Alcohol vini” ( Latin for “The essence of wine”.)

Now that you know who to blame (if you are still on the couch instead of working) rush out, it’s about time ( don’t forget to check your eyeliner first..).

Truly yours

Pier.

“Bello” , it comes from the Latin “Bellus”, diminutive of “Bonus”. It’s not used in English except for the French “Belle” (referred to an attractive girl) or the Italian “Belladonna” (it means the same but also it indicates a poisonous plant..just in case you need to get rid of somebody).

So what about expressions like “Casus belli” or “Belligerent” ?  ”Bellum” in Latin means “War”; “Casus belli” is the event that causes a conflict, and “Bellum” it’s  the origin of words like “Belligerent”, (from “Belligerare” = “To wage war”).

Case solved. Live in peace and stay away from belladonna ( the plant..).

See you soon.

Pier.

But enough with sheep and wolves; remember “Chi pecora si fa, il lupo se lo mangia” ( if one behaves like a sheep, he will be eaten by a wolf.. sooner o later).

Enjoy your day ( ma attenti al lupo! = Beware of the wolf !).

Pier.

“Magari”. It comes from the Greek “Makarios” (the blessed one) and in Italian may have different meanings; the most used one is “I wish” as in “Did you win the Powerball?” “Magari..”. It’s also used instead of “Forse” (Perhaps): “Magari possiamo andare al cinema” (Perhaps we could go to the movies).

That’s it for today. I want to thank you all for reading and sticking around ( and also I know you didn’t win the powerball..).

Alla prossima.

Pier.