5 Common Latin Phrases to Describe Something Awesome

English is a funny language. Its roots are Germanic, and the most commonly used words today show this. For example, “I,” “the,” “and,” “a,” “to,” “is,” “you,” and “that” are all Germanic in origin. (1)

Across the centuries, however, English borrowed a huge number of words from other languages, and one of the most common sources was Latin. From the Normans’ invasion of the British Isles in 1066, to translators infusing English texts with Latin, French, and Italian words in the 16th century, our tongue has become packed with these Latin-based add-ons. In fact, it’s believed that some 60% of words we use today have Latin roots. (2,3)

In some cases, entire phrases in Latin have become part of our vocabulary. Because we've been having beautiful spring days in most places in the northern hemisphere, today we’re going to talk about Latin phrases you can use to describe something wonderful.  

1. Sui Generis

The first is “sui generis.” This means “of its own kind,” and we use it to describe something that’s in a class of its own. You could say that Serena Williams is sui generis in the tennis world, or speak of Bob Dylan’s sui generis songwriting. In either case, we’re describing something that is one of a kind.  

2. Ne Plus Ultra

Another complimentary term is “ne plus ultra,” translated as “no more beyond.” Something that is the ne plus ultra represents the highest point of achievement or the most profound example of something. For example, "The Godfather" could be considered the ne plus ultra of gangster movies. 

This term has an interesting history. It was said to be inscribed on the “Pillars of Hercules” at the Strait of Gibraltar. The strait is a channel of water that lies between southernmost Spain and northwesternmost Africa, and connects the Mediterranean Sea with the Atlantic Ocean. These “pillars” —represented by the Rock of Gibraltar on one side of the strait and a mountain peak on the other— were supposedly set in place by Hercules. Some say he did this as a memorial to his majestic deeds; others say he did it when he destroyed the mountain that once connected Africa and Europe. 

In any case, the strait was considered to be the western end of the classical world. The inscription “ne plus ultra” on the Pillars of Hercules thus served as a warning to sailors: “(Let there) not (be) more (sailing) beyond (this point).” (4)

3. Bona Fide

Another way to say something’s good is to say it’s “bona fide”; literally, “in good faith.” A used car...

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