Castigat ridendo mores

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Castigat ridendo mores (Latin pronunciation: [kaˈstiːɡat rɪˈdɛndoː ˈmoːreːs]) (laughing corrects morals) is a Latin phrase that generally means "one corrects customs by laughing at them," or "he corrects morals by ridicule."[1] Some commentators suggest that the phrase embodies the essence of satire; in other words, the best way to change things is to point out their absurdity and laugh at them.[2] French New Latin poet Abbé Jean de Santeul (1630–1697) allegedly coined the phrase.[3][4]

References

  1. ↑ "Latin Quotes: Criticism". Latin Phrases & Quotes. Retrieved July 11, 2013.
  2. ↑ Felt, Scott. "Latin Phrases in Scholarly Writing". University of North Texas, Department of Criminal Justice. Retrieved July 11, 2013.
  3. ↑ "Castigat ridendo mores. Jean de Santeul.". Retrieved July 11, 2013.
  4. ↑ H. King, W. Francis (1965). Classical and Foreign Quotations: A Polyglot Manual of Historical and Literary Sayings Noted Passages in Poetry and Prose Phrases, Proverbs, and Bons Mots. London: J. Whitaker & Sons, Limited. p. 35.
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