follis
[ˈfɔl.lɪs]
The Latin word for balloon is follis.
This noun refers to a child's toy.
Meaning: child’s toy (noun)
Did you know?
- In later Latin usage, follis could be used metaphorically to describe a person who is full of hot air or boastful.
- The word follis originally referred to a leather bag or a bellows used to blow air into a fire.
- The word follis is etymologically related to the Sanskrit word 'barhís', which refers to 'sacrificial straw'.
Example conversation
Aurelia and Gaius are at a party.
- AureliaVide, Gai! Hic follis est pulcher.Look, Gaius! This balloon is beautiful.
- GaiusIta, Aurelia. Colorem aureum habet.Yes, Aurelia. It has a golden color.
- AureliaVisne hunc follem tenere?Do you want to hold this balloon?
- GaiusLibenter id facio.I would gladly do that.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry follis, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries follis, CC BY-SA 4.0.
