Happy Friday! We have another Latin Lingo for you! Did you know that the word “lingo” is derived from Latin? Lingo, meaning a foreign language or “the special vocabulary of a particular field of interest” first came into use in the 1650s. It is believed to have been derived from a shortening of the Italian phrase lingua franca. Lingua in Latin means language or tongue. Isn’t it fun to learn new things? Ready to learn some more? Today our Lower Middle School Latin teacher, Mrs. Pam Gerhardt, shares with us one of her favorite Latin phrases.
Our Latin Phrase of the Week: Gaudium Et Spes
What does it mean?
Gaudium et spes means hope and joy.
How is it used today?
This phrase is well-known in the Catholic Church as used by Pope John VI. I have been drawn to this phrase as a personal aspiration. I first became aware of this phrase when I saw it engraved in a stone at a newly rebuilt home in New Orleans. The family’s home was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina and they had taken that phrase as their “mantra” while rebuilding their home by hand. I was so struck by their story and joy that I decided I would take it as my own personal aspiration. My gaudium et spes is often followed by “in Cristo” as He is my source of hope and joy.
Why should we and our students be familiar with it?
Because it speaks of a hope and joy we all can have as we continue to educate our students classically and send them out into the world.
Thank you, Mrs. Gerhardt, for sharing with us today!
Does your family have a mantra? Share it in the comments below.
2 thoughts on “Latin Lingo #3”
Thank you…. love this.
Beautiful! Thank you for sharing!