7 Examples You Probably Say Without Even Realizing
If you thought Latin was dead, think again. Sure, nobody’s ordering coffee in Latin anymore, but the language is very much alive in English. In fact, you probably sprinkle it into your speech without a second thought.
Let’s look at 7 common Latin phrases that have stood the test of time — and why they’re still going strong.
1. Vice Versa
Means: “the other way around.”
✅ Example:
“She likes tea, vice versa for me — I’ll take coffee.”
From the Latin for “the position having been reversed,” it’s a tidy way to swap roles or sides.
2. Et Cetera (etc.)
Means: “and the rest.”
You’ll find it at the end of lists or when you can’t be bothered to finish naming everything. It’s one of the most enduring Latin imports, used across languages worldwide.
3. Per Se
Means: “by itself.”
✅ Example:
“It’s not bad per se, just not my style.”
It shows up when you want to separate the thing itself from the context around it.
4. Status Quo
Means: “the existing state of affairs.”
Often used when discussing politics or social norms — the way things are now, before any changes.
5. Alma Mater
Literally means “nourishing mother,” and is used to talk about the school or college you graduated from.
✅ Example:
“I’m visiting my alma mater this weekend.”
6. Ad Hoc
Means: “for this specific purpose.”
If you form an ad hoc committee, you’re gathering a group just to tackle a particular issue.
7. Carpe Diem
Probably the most famous. Means: “seize the day.”
A rallying cry to live life fully, made legendary by poets and movies alike.
Why Latin Still Pops Up
English absorbed huge amounts of Latin, both directly and via French after the Norman invasion. Latin was the language of scholars, law, science, and religion for centuries. So when English needed to sound official, smart, or timeless, Latin was the perfect source.
A Fun Little Irony
We often think of Latin as “dead,” but it’s quietly embedded in our daily conversations — whether we’re conscious of it or not.
