While Latin hasn't been regularly spoken or written for hundreds

of years, save for the occasional scholarly text, its legacy is still
felt throughout the lexicon of both Romance and Germanic
languages today. Whether you're launching an ad hominem
attack or adding etcetera to the end of a list, it's likely you're
peppering your speech with Latin phrases without even knowing
it.

That said, we can do better than exclaiming "veni, vidi, vici"

following a win at Scrabble or whispering "in vino veritas" before
spilling a secret over a few drinks. With that in mind, we've
compiled the genius Latin phrases you could and should be using
on a daily basis.

1. "Ad astra per aspera."

One of the most poular Latin phrases, meaning, "Through
adversity to the stars," this utterance is generally used to
describe the overcoming of adversity resulting in a favorable
outcome. For instance, this common state motto—which also
happens to adorn the memorial plaque for the astronauts who
died on Apollo 1—can be used in conversation when you're
having a terrible go of things, but you're confident a greater
outcome awaits you.

2. "Acta deos numquam mortalia fallunt."

If you've ever wanted to strike fear into the heart of your
enemies (or just want a good comeback for when you catch
someone cheating on game night), try out this expression.
Meaning "Mortal actions never deceive the gods," this Latin
phrase certainly fits the bill.

3. "Carpe vinum."
We've all heard the phrase "carpe diem" a million times, but we'll
do you one better: "carpe vinum." Of all the Latin phrases to
master, this one, which translates to "Seize the wine," will
certainly come in handy when you're eager to impress your
waiter with a fancy foodie phrase or are doing your best Caligula
impression after a few glasses of pinot noir.

4. "Alea iacta est."

Latin phrases don't get much more iconic than "Alea iacta est,"
or "The die is cast," an expression reportedly uttered by Julius
Caesar as he crossed Italy's Rubicon river with his army. Of
course, it works equally well when you've got the wheels in
motion for a brilliant plan that doesn't involve civil war, too.

5. "Dulce periculum."
Do you live life on the edge? Then "dulce periculum" might just
be your new motto. Meaning, "Danger is sweet," dropping this
phrase in casual conversation certainly lets people know what
you're about.

6. "Acta non verba."

If you want to make it clear that you won't stand for lip service,
toss "acta non verba" into your everyday language. Meaning,
"Deeds, not words," this phrase is an easy way to make it clear
that you don't kindly suffer those whose behavior doesn't match
their words.

7. "Condemnant quo non intellegunt."

If your conspiracy theorist friend needs a good talking to, there
are plenty of hilarious words to describe their condition other
than asking how that tinfoil hat works. Instead, hit them with a
quick "Condemnant quo non intellegunt." This phrase, meaning
"They condemn that which they do not understand," is the
perfect burn for those who proudly espouse their less-than-logic-
backed views and offer little supporting evidence.

8. "Audentes fortuna iuvat."

Want some inspiration to kill it on an upcoming job
interview? Repeat "Audentes fortuna iuvat" ("Fortune favors the
bold") to yourself a few times in the mirror before heading out
the door.

9. "Factum fieri infectum non potest."

For those eager to make it clear that they don't give second
chances, keep "Factum fieri infectum non potest" in your back
pocket. This phrase, which means "It is impossible for a deed to
be undone," also serves as a grave reminder for your friends
when they say they're about they're about to do something rash.

10. "Aut viam inveniam aut faciam."

Finding yourself stuck between a rock and a hard place? Pump
yourself up by letting forth an "Aut viam inveniam aut faciam."
This phrase, which translates to, "I will either find a way or make
one," is famously attributed to Carthaginian general Hannibal,
one of history's most famous military leaders.

11. "Qui totum vult totum perdit."

While Wall Street may have told us that greed is good, the Latin
language begs to differ. If you want to refute an acquaintance's
obsession with having it all, hit them with a "Qui totum vult
totum perdit," or, translated, "He who wants everything loses
everything."

12. "Faber est suae quisque fortunae."

Of all the Latin phrases in the world, there's one perfect for
picking yourself up when you feel like the stars aren't aligning in
your favor. Just remember, "Faber est suae quisque fortunae"
("Every man is the artisan of his own fortune").

13. "Aquila non capit muscas."

If social media pettiness and idle gossip feel beneath you, try
adding "Aquila non capit muscas" to your vocabulary. The
phrase, which means, "The eagle does not catch flies," is a
particularly cutting way to remind others that you're not about to
trouble yourself with their nonsense.

14. "Natura non constristatur."

While it's natural to be upset over storm damage to a house or
dangerous conditions that cause a flight to be canceled, Latin
speakers were sure to make it clear that nature doesn't share our
feelings. "Natura non constristatur," which means "Nature is not
saddened," is the perfect phrase to remind yourself or others just
how unconcerned with human affairs Mother Nature truly is.

15. "Flectere si nequeo superos, Acheronta

movebo."
From Virgil's Aeneid, this phrase, which means "If I cannot move
Heaven, I will raise Hell," is the perfect addition to the
vocabulary of anyone whose halo is nonexistent.

16. "Ad meliora."

Today may not be going the way you want, but you can always
boost your spirits by uttering "ad meliora," or, "Toward better
things."

17. "Nullum magnum ingenium sine mixture

dementia fuit."
Many a great idea or seemingly crazy prediction has been
initially laughed off by those who don't understand it. When that
happens to you, remind your detractors, "Nullum magnum
ingenium sine mixture dementia fuit," or, "There has been no
great wisdom without an element of madness."

18. "Barba tenus sapientes."

That guy who proclaims himself to be a genius, but seems to only
reiterate derivative remarks? He's "Barba tenus sapientes," or
"As wise as far as the beard." In other words, this guy might
seem intelligent at first, but it's all a façade.

19. "Creo quia absurdum est."

Occam's razor isn't always the best way to judge a situation. In
times where belief alone trumps logic, drop a "Creo quia
absurdum est" ("I believe because it is absurd").

20. "Lupus non timet canem latrantem."

Need a quick way to make it clear that you won't be intimidated
by a bully? Simply tell them, "Lupus non timet canem
lantrantem," translated to mean, "A wolf is not afraid of a
barking dog."

21. "Non ducor duco."

When you're eager to remind your subordinates at work who's in
charge, toss a "Non ducor duco" their way. Meaning, "I am not
led; I lead," this phrase is a powerful way of letting others you're
not to be messed with.

22. "Fere libenter homines id quod volunt

credunt."
Sometimes, people's opinions can't be changed. When that's the
case, drop a, "Fere libenter homines id quod volunt credunt," or,
"Men generally believe what they want to."

23. "Sic gorgiamus allos subjectatos nunc."

The motto of the fictional Addams Family, this phrase means,
"We gladly feast on those who would subdue us." Also perfect for
use in any conversation where you're eager to terrify someone
else.

24. "Amore et melle et felle es fecundissimus."

Love is amazing, painful, and confusing at the same time, as
those who spoke Latin apparently knew all too well. The next
time you want to remind a friend of the exquisite agony that
often accompanies a new relationship, use this phrase, which
means "Love is rich with honey and venom."

25. "In absentia lucis, Tenebrae vincunt."

While not quite the Washington Post's new motto, this phrase
comes pretty close. If you're ever channeling your inner
superhero, try out this expression, which means, "In the absence
of light, darkness prevails."

26. "De omnibus dubitandum."

Do you think the truth is out there? Do you think there are
government secrets that threaten our very existence? If so, this
phrase, which means "Be suspicious of everything," should be a
welcome addition to your lexicon.

27. "Ars longa, vita brevis."

There's a reason we still admire the paintings and sculptures of
long-dead masters, and luckily, one of the easiest-to-master Latin
phrases just about sums it up: "Art is long, life is short."

28. "Nemo mortalium omnibus horis sapit."

Just because you think you're a relatively sage person doesn't
mean that you're necessarily on the ball at all times. As many a
Latin speaker might remind you with this phrase, "Of mortal
men, none is wise at all times."

29. "Quid infantes sumus."

If you feel like you're being underestimated, don't be afraid to
spit, "Quid infants sumus?" at those who might not see your
potential. While it's not exactly a scathing insult, it's pretty
amusing to know the Latin phrase for, "What are we, babies?"

30. "Mea navis aëricumbens anguillis abundant."

Of course, not all Latin phrases are useful—some are just funny.
This one, in particular—a translation of a humorous saying from
Monty Python's "Dirty Hungarian Phrasebook" sketch, simply
means, "My hovercraft is full of eels."