latinorum

See also: Latinorum

Italian

Etymology

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

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

Noun

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, 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

• latinorum in Treccani.it – Vocabolario Treccani on line, Istituto dell'Enciclopedia Italiana

Latin

Adjective

latīnōrum

1. genitive masculine/neuter plural of latīnus