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About this quote

What does it mean?
The speaker questions if there is a Latin word for tea, implying it is vulgar.
In plain terms
Is there no Latin word for tea? If so, I would avoid the vulgar drink.
What can you take from it?
Language status can influence perceptions of cultural sophistication.

Where it applies

  • linguistic debate
  • cultural elitism
  • historical curiosity

Putting it to work

  • studying language
  • critiquing habits
  • cultural analysis

Questions to consider

  • Does language shape value?
  • Why do we prize certain terms?

Another view

The preference for Latin over common language is culturally biased.

More from Hilaire Belloc

  1. I have wandered all my life, and I have also traveled; the difference between the two being this, that we wander for distraction, but we travel for fulfillment.

    Permalink to quote #40
  2. It is the best of all trades, to make songs, and the second best to sing them.

    Permalink to quote #42
  3. I am writing a book about the Crusades so dull that I can scarcely write it.

    Permalink to quote #39

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