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Illegitimi non carborundum is a mock-Latin aphorism, often translated as "Don't let the bastards grind you down". The phrase itself has no meaning in Latin and can only be mock-translated. History. The phrase originated during World War II.
Typically for "let not" Latin employs ne + the subjunctive. Compare that with e.g. Cicero's De Legibus 2.16.41, donis impii ne placare audeant deos ("let not the wicked dare [to try] to appease the gods with gifts").
Mar 13, 2022 · Illegitimi non carborundum is a mock-Latin aphorism possibly read as "Don't let the bastards grind you down". The phrase is believed to have originated during World War II by British army intelligence agents very early in the war (using the ablative plural illegitimis).
Jan 26, 2021 · As a general thought, ne + conj. pf. is often an elegant solution for the so-called negative imperative: Ne te triverint spurii, e.g. Hi! This is a good answer, but the question was closed as a duplicate.
Mar 5, 2002 · "Don't let the bastards grind you down." An appealing sentiment with numerous variants in pseudo-Latin. Also as: NIL CARBORUNDUM ILLIGITIUM. Origins: probably military. Reference: DBS p.203
Mar 23, 2009 · Kris Kristofferson: Don´t let the bastards get you down. kriscool666. 665 subscribers. Subscribed. 271. 20K views 14 years ago. Live from The Nobel Peace Center Oslo, Norway at the...
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What's the origin of the phrase 'Don't let the bastards grind you down'? Often given in the cod Latin version – ‘nil carborundum illegitimi’. It was in wide circulation during the Second World War at which time General “Vinegar Joe” Stilwell used it as his motto.
