oles
The English phrase "you stink" is expressed in Latin as oles.
This phrase is used to tell someone that they have an unpleasant smell.
When do people say it?
If you wish to be more formal or indirect, you might say Tui odoris mali sum conscius, which translates to "I am aware of your bad smell."
Did you know?
- The word oles is a form of the verb olere, which is the ancient root for the English word 'smell' in many Romance languages and the origin of the word 'olfactory'.
- In Roman times, smelling 'bad' was not always a social failure, as the scent of fish sauce called garum was ubiquitous and considered a culinary staple despite its pungent aroma.
- While oles is a basic observation, the word fetet was used to imply someone was literally 'rotting', making it a far more aggressive insult.
Examples in context
- Oles valde.You stink very much.
- Oles sicut animal.You stink like an animal.
- Cur sic oles?Why do you stink like this?
Example conversation
Lucius has just returned from a long day of work.
- LuciaLuci, oles!Lucius, you stink!
- LuciusEgone oleo?Do I stink?
- LuciaIta, mox te lava.Yes, wash yourself soon.
- LuciusBene, ego ibo.Fine, I will go.
