verba mala
The English phrase "bad words" is translated into Latin as verba mala.
If your intention is to describe words that are socially inappropriate or "unfitting" rather than inherently evil, you may use verba impropia instead.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the neuter plural noun verba (words) and the neuter plural adjective mala (bad).
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of this phrase is verbum malum (bad word).
Did you know?
- One historical root of mala may come from a Frankish word meaning 'leather bag'.
- In Roman law, certain verba mala were not just rude but legally actionable, potentially leading to a lawsuit for 'iniuria' if they damaged a person's reputation.
- A Roman might describe particularly biting or hurtful verba mala as having the quality of felle. This word literally means 'gall', suggesting the words possess a bitter, liquid sting.
Examples in context
- In hoc libro verba mala sunt.There are bad words in this book.
Example conversation
Julia catches Marcus using inappropriate language.
- JuliaMarce, cur dicis verba mala?Marcus, why are you saying bad words?
- MarcusSum iratus, Iulia.I am angry, Julia.
- JuliaSed verba mala non sunt bona.But bad words are not good.
- MarcusIgnosce mihi.Forgive me.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mala, CC BY-SA 4.0.
