latinorum

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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]

  • IPA(key): /la.tiˈnɔ.rum/
  • Rhymes: -ɔrum
  • Hyphenation: la‧ti‧nò‧rum

Noun[edit]

latinorum m (invariable)

  1. (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."
  2. (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

  1. genitive masculine/neuter plural of latīnus