Introduction
Language is constantly evolving in every culture, including ancient civilizations like the Roman Empire. While we may think of the Romans as speaking Latin, there was also a unique slang that emerged among the common people. This article will explore what Roman Empire slang was like and how it was used.
What is Roman Empire Slang?
Roman Empire slang, also known as Vulgar Latin or Colloquial Latin, was the informal language used by the lower class citizens of the empire. It was different from the formal Latin used by scholars and government officials, with distinct vocabulary and grammar.
Examples of Roman Empire Slang
Some examples of Roman Empire slang include:
- Vappa – cheap or watered-down wine
- Merenda – a midday snack
- Meretrix – a prostitute
Case Studies
One famous example of Roman Empire slang is the graffiti found in the city of Pompeii. These inscriptions often used colloquial language and slang terms to convey messages or jokes. This shows that slang was prevalent even in everyday interactions among the ancient Romans.
Statistics on Roman Empire Slang
While there are no specific statistics on the prevalence of Roman Empire slang, we can infer its existence from various historical sources. These sources include plays, poems, and graffiti that have been preserved from ancient Rome.
Conclusion
Overall, Roman Empire slang offers a fascinating insight into the daily lives and language of the ancient Romans. It shows that even in the most formal of societies, informal language can still flourish among the common people.
