Et Cetera: Pick It Up
Et Cetera: An Illustrated Guide to Latin Phrases (2024)
by Maia Lee-Chin
To speak and write good English is a nice skill to possess.
But to be able to sprinkle Latin into your conversation, a college admission essay or a speech you’re asked to write for your boss is divine.
Like with most word power books, you can dip into Et Cetera by opening any page.
The 126-page book (by Maia Lee-Chin) is divided into five sections based on the following themes: Literature; Love, Friendship and Family; Mythology; Military and Power; and Culture and Philosophy.
Altogether, there are 50 Latin phrases, one per page.
After excluding illustrations for every phrase, index, acknowledgments and bibliography, you’re looking essentially at a 50-page book.
I’d wager most readers would be familiar with no more than 5-10 phrases in the book. Even an English language and history buff like me was familiar with a mere five.
While describing each Latin phrase, the book also provides a short history lesson by discussing its origins. The page devoted to Fugi, tene me (I have fled, restrain me, p.101) was moving in its depiction of slavery.
Another phrase dealing with slavery is Sol omnibus lucet (the sun shines for everyone, p.97).
But the book fails by omitting to provide examples of usage.
Here are a few Latin expressions, along with their meaning, from Et Cetera:
Literature
Acta Est Fabula, Plaudite
Clap, the story is over (Roman Emperor Augustus’ supposed last words)
Auribus teneo lupum
“I’m holding a wolf by the ears”
(caught between a rock and a hard place)
Exegi monumentum aere perennius
I erected monuments lasting longer than bronze
Love, Friendship, and Family
Omnia vincit amor
Love conquers all
Odi et amo
I hate, and I love
Serves animae dimidium meae
May you protect half of my soul
Military & Power
Absit Invidia
Let jealousy be absent
(to ward off the evil eye)
Alea Iacta Est
The die has been cast
Mythology
Lupus in fabula
The wolf in the story
(speak of the Devil)
Manus Manum Lavat
One hand washed the other hand
(quid pro quo)
Culture & Philosophy
Carpe diem
Seize the day
Nunc est bibendum
Now is for drinking
Fugi tene me
I have fled, restrain me
Fortes fortuna iuvat
Fortune favors the brave
Panem et circenses
Bread and Circuses
(superficial appeasements)
Memento mori
Remember you will die
Sutor, ne supra crepidam
Shoemaker, not beyond the shoe
Damnatio Memoriae
Damning of memory
(erasing from historical records)
Are there better Latin books than Et Cetera for those looking to dip their toes in the language?
I’d put Veni, Vidi, Vici: Conquer Your Enemies and Impress Your Friends with Everyday Latin (by Eugene Ehrlich) ahead of Et Cetera in sheer number of words or phrases. Unfortunately, Veni, Vidi, Vici too does not provide examples of usage although it offers a comment on the origins of a Latin word or phrase.
It’s a safe bet that Et Cetera will have few takers in today’s world of texting abbreviations, emojis and Instagram posts.
By the way, Et Cetera is printed in China. I must say the Chinese have done a nice job. The hardbound edition (in a pleasing red and black cover design with the title in gold letters) is a joy to hold and leaf through.
Overall, Et Cetera is a fine book, one that logophiles would love.
Et Cetera has whetted my appetite for more Latin guidebooks. If you’re of a similar mind, here are a few recommendations (culled from Amazon):
Veni, Vidi, Vici: Conquer Your Enemies and Impress Your Friends with Everyday Latin, by Eugene Ehrlich
Et tu, Brute?: The Best Latin Lines Ever, by Harry Mount
Wheelock's Latin, 7th Edition by Frederic M. Wheelock
Latin for the Illiterati: A Modern Guide to an Ancient Language by Jon R. Stone
A Dictionary of Latin Words and Phrases by James Morwood
Latin Quips at Your Fingertips by Rose Williams
Latin: A Joyously Brief Introduction by Jon-David Hague